AO classification of distal femur fractures (illustration)

Case contributed by Andrew Murphy
Diagnosis not applicable

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Diagram
  • type A: extraarticular 
  • type B: partial articular, the fracture is involving one part of the articular surface, yet the rest of the joint is still attached to the metaphysis and diaphysis
  • type C: complete articular, the fracture is distributing the joint surface and separated from the diaphysis
  • type A: extraarticular 
  • type B: partial articular, the fracture is involving one part of the articular surface, yet the rest of the joint is still attached to the metaphysis and diaphysis
  • type C: complete articular, the fracture is distributing the joint surface and separated from the diaphysis

Broken into A, B, and C

Diagram
  • type A: extraarticular 
  • type B: partial articular, the fracture is involving one part of the articular surface, yet the rest of the joint is still attached to the metaphysis and diaphysis
  • type C: complete articular, the fracture is distributing the joint surface and separated from the diaphysis

Case Discussion

The AO classification divides the distal femoral fractures into three groups, A, B and C with complexity and severity increasing 1.

  • type A: extraarticular 
  • type B: partial articular, the fracture is involving one part of the articular surface, yet the rest of the joint is still attached to the metaphysis and diaphysis
  • type C: complete articular, the fracture is distributing the joint surface and separated from the diaphysis

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