A comparative study of methods for treating fractures of the distal half of the femur was carried out prospectively in the five-year period January 1973 to December 1977. The three methods compared were conservative treatment on a Thomas' splint, application ofa knee-hinged cast-brace at five to seven weeks, and intramedullary nailing. knee. The time in bed, in hospital and to union were compared as was the rate offunctional recovery of the It is concluded that the cast-brace provides a safe reliable method of treatment, combining the advantages of non-operative management with the early mobilisation possible with intramedullary fixation but without the disadvantages of surgical treatment.

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