**1. Introduction**

Fractures of the distal part of the femur, whether extra articular or intra articular, have a bimodal distribution. At younger ages, high-energy trauma is the main cause, whereas in the elderly, low energy trauma results in a fracture due to osteopenia [1, 2]. In any case, the fracture pattern varies in terms of comminution, site of the fracture (articular and/or extraarticular), quality of bone and general condition of the patient. The high loads and bending forces affecting this anatomical area contribute to the complexity of the problem on a given patient. Hardware failure and nonunion are major concerns, and occur irrespective of the fixation method in nearly one of five patients. Proper understanding of the biomechanics of different fracture patterns, assessment of bone quality, physiological needs of the patient and the capability of different implants available for surgical treatment, are essential for the selection of the surgical approach, type and fixation strategy. Ultimately, judicious planning is probably the most important factor influencing the outcome of treatment, in which fracture healing, maintenance of proper reduction and swift restoration of function are altogether the goals.
