Use of the Wagner apparatus in complicated fractures of the distal femur.

Five case histories are presented involving management of complicated fractures of the distal femur with the Wagner apparatus used for external fixation. The advantages of this method are that it involves less metal and less extensive surgical exposure than internal fixation devices. There is ample wound access, more rigid fixation, earlier ambulation, and increased patient comfort. Use of the device as an available alternative, especially in cases complicated by vascular or neurologic injury, soft-tissue, or bilateral injury, is advocated, based on this preliminary experience.