The advantages of early stable internal fixation have been particularly well demonstrated in the treatment of femur fractures. Not only is permanent impairment of knee function prevented by adequate aftertreatment, but fixation of femur fractures greatly reduces the pathophysiological sequelae of this severe injury, particularly if sustained by high energy impact. Nonoperative treatment requires traction for several weeks followed by a cast or brace. At the end of this time, full restoration of function in the knee joint may take months, if it succeeds at all, and malunion or delayed union is not a rare occurrence.