Treatment of the Hoffa fracture of the lateral femoral condyle with cannulated screws in combination with an anti-gliding steel plate, a retrospective observational study

Abstract

Abstract Background The stability of the Hoffa fracture fixed with a cannulated screw is limited. In the present work, we adopted two cannulated screws from anterior to posterior and posteriorly anti-gliding plate to treat 12 cases with Hoffa fracture of the lateral femoral condyle. Methods Open reduction and internal fixation were performed in 12 patients with Hoffa fractures of the lateral femoral condyle. The Hoffa fracture end was fixed with an anti-gliding steel plate based on cannulated screw fixation in the rear of the distal femur. All patients were followed for 12–24 months, with a median of 15.3 ± 4.6 months. Results All fractures were bony union, with a healing time of 3–6 months (median, 4.5 months). The Letenneur evaluation system was used to assess efficacy. Four indexes were observed, including knee range of motion (ROM), stability, pain, and dependent ambulation. The results revealed that eight cases were excellent and four cases good, with a good rate of 100%. Conclusion The surgical treatment with cannulated screws in combination with an anti-gliding steel plate could fix the end of the Hoffa fracture, which could acquire strong internal fixation and a good curative effect.