Blade-plate fixation in selected cases of non-union and of complicated fresh fractures of the supracondylar region of the femur has definite advantages, including rigid fixation, early joint mobilization, and, in the elderly, early ambulation with crutches.
The four cases presented illustrate the use of the blade-plate in cases of:
1. Simple supracondylar fracture complicated by multiple other fractures and head injury;
2. Comminuted non-union or prospective non-union, complicated by the loss of bone substance at the fracture site;
3. A comminuted T-shaped condylar fracture with rotation of the condyles, considerable comminution, and arthritic changes as a result of a previous fracture;
4. Old infected non-union with intra-articular adhesions and infection of the knee joint.