Anti-sliding plating for Letenneur type Ⅰ Hoffa fractures

Objective To explore the anti-sliding plating for Hoffa fractures by comparing the me-chanical properties of anti-sliding plates and cancellous bone screws. Methods Twenty cases of the same type of Hoffa fracture in the model femur were randomly divided into 4 even groups. Group A used 2 antegrade cancellous bone screws; Group B used 2 retrograde cancellous bone screws forwards; Group C used anti-sliding plate and locking screw fixation; Group D used anti-sliding plate and cancellous bone screw fixation. All the samples were subjected to the cycle fatigue and the maximum failure load tests. Results The fatigue test revealed no significant difference in the mean maximum displacements at the 10, 100, 1000, 10 000 cycles between the 4 groups. In the maximum failure load test, there were significant differences between Group A [(1224±72) N] and Groups C and D [(2183±227) N and (2124±235) N], as well as between Groups B [(1405±235) N] and Groups C and D; there was no significant difference between Group A and Group B, neither between Group C and Group D, Conclusions In the initial period after secure fixation for Hoffa fractures, anti-sliding plates and cancellous bone screws can all provide satisfactory mechanical stability and strength. But anti-sliding plating is recommended for cases of long healing expected, patients with great body mass index, and patients with poor compliance.     

Undiagnosed Hoffa fracture of medial femoral condyle presenting as chronic pain in a post-polio limb

Isolated coronal fracture of medial femoral condyle with intact lateral femoral condyle is extremely rare. A high index of suspicion is necessary for early diagnosis especially in cases of undisplaced fractures. Here we report a case of medial Hoffa fracture in a post-polio limb presenting as chronic pain. Management of such fractures in limbs affected by late sequelae of poliomyelitis is particularly problematic in view of osteoporosis and osseous hypoplasia. The fracture was approached through medial parapatellar arthrotomy and fixation was done with cannulated cancellous screws in anteroposterior direction. Union was achieved at 16 weeks.     

Treatment of Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fracture involving the postero-lateral condyle with a medial support plate and a row of screws北大核心CSCD

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of a medial support plate and a row of screws in the treatment of Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fracture involving the postero-lateral condyle. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of the data of 26 patients who had been admitted to Department of Orthopedic Trauma, Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xian Jiaotong University for Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fracture involving the postero-lateral condyle from December 2015 to December 2020. There were 17 males and 9 females, aged from 19 to 51 years (average, 36. 1 years). All their fracture lines involved the postero-lateral condyle and all fractures were fixated with a medial support plate and a row of screws via one medial and one lateral incisions. Recorded were the operation time, hospital stay, blood loss, incision length, fracture healing, complications, quality of knee joint reduction and knee joint function at the last follow-up. Results The length of hospital stay ranged from 8 to 16 days, averaging 10. 4 days. The 26 patients were followed up for 8 to 18 months, with an average of 14. 3 months. All the fractures got united after 11 to 17 weeks (average, 13. 7 weeks). During the follow-up, no reduction loss, internal fixation failure or surgical complications were observed. Rasmussen radiographic scores at the last follow-up ranged from 11 to 18 points, averaging 16. 1 points. The range of motion of the knee joint ranged from 0° to 140。， averaging 120. 8°. The Rasmussen scores of the knee function ranged from 14 to 28 points, averaging 24. 4 points. Conclusion In the treatment of Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fracture involving the posterolateral condyle, the use of a medial support plate and a row of screws can achieve satisfactory clinical results. © The Author(s) 2022.     

胫骨中段骨折钢板螺钉固定的有限元分析

目的 通过有限元分析探讨有限接触型动力加压钢板(LC-DCP)不同螺钉固定数目及位置对胫骨中段骨折的生物力学影响.方法获取正常胫骨CT薄层扫描图像,利用三维重建软件Mimics10.01及有限元分析软件Ansys 10.0建立正常胫骨有限元模型,并在此基础上制成胫骨中段斜形无缺损骨折模型,以14孔LC-DCP固定,根据螺钉固定数目及位置不同分为5组:A组固定第1、2、3、12、13、14孔,B组固定第1、4、7、8、11、14孔,C组固定第1、3、6、9、12、14孔,D组固定第1、2、7、8、13、14孔,E组第1～14孔全部固定.各模型压缩载荷为1000 N,扭转力矩为5 N·m.结果 A组螺钉受力以第3、12孔为大.B组螺钉压缩时受力均以第1孔为最大,第4孔次之;扭转时以第7、8孔为大.C组螺钉压缩时受力均以第1孔为最大,第3孔次之;扭转时受力以第6、9孔为大.D、E组螺钉压缩时受力均以第1孔为最大,第2孔次之;扭转时受力以第7、8孔为大.结论应用LC-DCP固定治疗胫骨中段骨折时以6枚螺钉固定14孔长钢板为妥,且以固定第1、2、7、8、13、14孔为最佳.

Abstract：

Objectives To determine biomechanical performances of limited contact-dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) fixation with screws in different number and position for treatment of fractures of tibial shaft. Methods CT scan was performed for a fresh sample of adult tibia to construct a 3D finite element model of normal tibia using Mimics 10. 01 and Ansys 10. 0. Finite element models of oblique fractures of middle tibia were made on the basis of the normal model to be all fixed with LC-DCP of 14 holes but with screws in 5 different patterns. Model A was fixed with screws in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 12th, 13th and 14th holes; model B with screws in the 1st, 4th, 7th, 8th, 11th and 14th holes; model C with screws in the 1st,3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th and 14th holes; model D with screws in the 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, 13th and 14th holes;and model E with screws in all 14 holes. Finite element software Ansys 10. 0 was used to establish 3-D finite element models of 5 fixation models for tibial shaft fracture. Five kinds of digital loadings were simulated in computer, with 1000 N compressive load and 5 N · m torque moment for all models. Results In model A, the highest stresses were on the 3rd and 12th holes. In model B, the highest compressive stress was on the 1st hole, next by the 4th hole; the highest torsion stresses were on the 7th and 8th holes. In model C, the highest compressive stress was on the 1st hole, next by the 3rd hole; the highest torsion stresses were on the 6th and 9th holes. In models D and E, the highest compressive stress was on the 1st hole, next by the 2nd hole; the highest torsion stresses were on the 7th and 8th holes. Conclusions In treatment of tibia shaft fractures with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis, fixation with a 14-hole LC-DCP and 6 screws is appropriate. The appropriate fixation holes are the 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, 13 th and 14th holes.     

后侧入路内固定治疗胫骨平台后侧骨折

目的 探讨后侧入路内固定治疗胫骨平台后侧骨折的近期疗效.方法 对2008年6月至2010年6月采用后侧入路内固定治疗且随访资料完整的11例胫骨平台后侧骨折患者进行回顾性分析.男7例,女4例;年龄33～60岁,平均47.8岁.AO/OTA分型:41-B2.2.4型2例,41-B3.1.2型3例,41-B3.3.2型3例,41-B3.1.2型+41-B3.3.2型2例,41-C3.3型1例.5例后外侧骨折采用膝关节Carlson后外侧入路;3例后内侧骨折采用Carlson后内侧入路;3例累及胫骨平台前、后侧及胫骨髁间嵴骨折者采用Carlson后内和(或)后外入路,辅以前侧入路行钢板螺钉内固定.关节面塌陷者采用自体髂骨植骨.结果 随访3个月至2年,平均1.6年.全部病例均获得影像学上的骨性愈合,愈合时间12～16周.Rasmussen放射学评分15～18分,平均16.7分.骨折愈合后美国特种外科医院(the Hospital for Special Surgery,HSS)膝关节评分75～96分,平均86.2分.后外侧入路5例膝关节活动范围平均0°-135°,后内侧入路3例0°-130°,混合入路3例-10°-125°.结论 胫骨平台骨折表现为以后侧为主时,应选择后外或后内侧手术入路,于直视下进行复位及固定,便于操作,术后近期疗效满意.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the clinical results of operative treatments for the complex posterior tibial plateau fractures via posterior approach. Methods Eleven cases with complex posterior tibial plateau fracture from June 2008 through June 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. There were 7 males and 4females, with age from 33 years to 60 years (average, 47.8 years). According to AO classification, there were 41-B2.2.4 type in 2 cases, 41-B3.1.2 type in 3, 41-B3.3.2 type in 3, 41-B3.1.2 type combined 41-B3.3.2 type in 2, 41-C3.3 type in 1. Carlson posterior lateral approach were used in 5 cases, posterior medial approach were used in 3 cases, and posterior medial and/or lateral approach combined with anterior approach were used in 3 cases. All fractures were fixed with plates. Autogenous ilium grafts were used if necessary.Results All cases were followed up. The average follow-up time was 1.6 years (range, 3-24 months). At the final follow-up visit, bone union was obtained in all cases. The mean Rasmussen score was 16.7 (range, 15-18), and the mean HSS was 86.2 (range, 75-96). The postoperative knee range of motion were 0°-135°, 0°-130° and -10°-125° in 5 cases with posterior lateral plateau fractures, 3 cases with posterior medial plateau fractures and 3 cases with anterior and posterior plateau and intercondylar fractures respectively. There was no vascular and nerve injuries. Loosing or breaking of hardware's was not found. Conclusion The Carlson posterior lateral and/or medial approach is preferred for the complex posterior plateau fractures, with the advantages of direct reduction and stabilization.     

Application of spiral CT image 3D reconstruction in severe talar neck fracture

Objective： To explore the application of the spiral computerized tomography （CT） image three-dimensional （ 3D ） reconstruction technique associated with the conventional radiography in the diagnosis and treatment of severe talar neck fracture. Methods： Using the multi-slice spiral CT image 3D reconstruction technique, we analysed Ⅱ cases of talar neck fracture. The fractures were reduced and fixed through a minimal incision and internal fixation with titanium cannulated lag screws. Results. In the Ⅱ cases, the results of CT image 3D reconstruction were in concordance with plain radiograph in 6 case of Hawkins type Ⅱ. And the remaining 5 cases of Hawkins types Ⅲ and Ⅳ could not be classified exactly only by radiographs, one of whom was misdiagnosed. After using the CT image 3D reconstruction, the 5 cases were classified exactly before osteosynthesis. The classifications of these Ⅱ cases were confirmed finally by surgical findings. The duration of operation were 45-Ⅰ40 min, averaging 8Ⅰ min （including the duration of C-arm fluoroscopy）. X-ray exposure time was 6-58 seconds, averaging 22 seconds. The blood loss was less than Ⅰ00 ml. The fracture union was achieved in 3 months. No nonunion, talus avascular necrosis or joint surface collapse occurred. Postoperative follow-up was from Ⅰ to 25 months. According to Hawkins score, excellent result was found in 6 type Ⅱ cases and Ⅰ type Ⅲ case; good result in I type Ⅲ case with both medial and lateral malleolar fracture, Ⅰ type Ⅲ with medial malleolus fractures and Ⅰ open type Ⅲ; fair result in Ⅰ open type Ⅳ with lateral malleolus fracture. Conclusions ： By using the multl-slice spiral CT image 3D reconstruction associated with radiography to diagnose and treat severe talar neck fractures, the accuracy of diagnosis can be improved obviously. Based on this technique, more consummate operational plan can be designed and performed so as to achieve a better therapeutic effect.     

空心拉力螺钉结合钢板内固定治疗LetenneurⅠ、Ⅲ型Hoffa骨折

目的 探讨空心拉力螺钉结合钢板内固定治疗LetenneurⅠ、Ⅲ型Hoffa骨折的方法及临床疗效。方法 自2009-03—2012-08共诊治9例(10髁)Hoffa骨折,其中内侧3髁,外侧7髁,按Letenneur分型:Ⅰ型6髁,Ⅲ型4髁。其中7髁(Ⅰ型骨折6例,Ⅲ型骨折1例)行空心钉结合后方防滑钢板或侧方支撑钢板内固定,3髁(Ⅲ型骨折)行空心钉结合侧方支撑钢板内固定。术后按照Letenneur功能恢复评估系统评定疗效。结果 所有患者均获得随访6~47个月,平均16.7个月。骨折均骨性愈合,愈合时间12~30周,平均18.3周。无内固定松动断裂、感染及股骨髁坏死等并发症发生。术后疗效:优良9髁,差1髁。结论 Hoffa骨折行切开解剖复位空心拉力螺钉结合后方防滑钢板或侧方支撑钢板内固定术,可达到固定坚强可靠、术后能早期功能锻炼、术后功能恢复良好、术后并发症少的治疗效果。     

Internal fixation with headless compression screws and back buttress plate for treatment of old Hoffa fracture

Objective： To analyze the early clinical and radiographic outcomes of Hoffa fractures treated by a standard protocol of open reduction and internal fixation using headless compression screws combined with back buttress plate in a consecutive series of 8 Chinese patients. Methods： Open reduction and internal fixation was performed on all patients. The fractures were anatomical- ly reduced and held temporarily by K-wire. If the ends of fractures were atrophic, autologous bone graft from the ipsilateral iliac crest was packed between the ends. Then the fracture fragments were fixed with AO 6.5 mm headless compression cannulated screws. At least two screws were used to provide rotational stability. One pre-contoured reconstruction plate was placed on the nonarticular surface posteromedially or posterolaterally as back buttress plate. Results： All the patients were followed up for at least 12 months （range 12-25 months）. All fractures achieved anatomical reduction and healed clinically and radiographically. At recent follow-up, the mean flexion degree was 120.6° （range 110°-135°） and the mean extension degree was 2.5° （range 0°-5°）. The average visual analogue scale score was 1.6 points （range 0-3）. Six patients were assessed as excellent and 2 as good according to the hospital for special surgery knee score system. There were no superficial or deep infections, or hardware breakages. No patient had giving way or locking of the knee, though some had intermittent pain and swelling after strenuous exercise. Injury mechanism had significant influence on the functional outcome （P=0.046）. Conclusion： Headless compression screws combined with back buttress plate and/or autologous bone grafting to treat old Hoffa fracture is one of effective measures. It would be conducive to not only fracture healing but also early exercise and functional recovery.     

下颈椎经关节螺钉联合侧块或椎弓根螺钉固定的效果

Objective To discuss the effect of transarticular screws combined with lateral mass screws or pedicle screws through posterior approach in the lower cervical spine. Methods From February 2003 to October 2007, 22 patients were treated using transarticular screws internal fixation combined with lateral mass screws or pedicle screws in Axis plating system and Vertex system. There were cervical fracture and dislocation in 13 patients, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in 4, cervical canal stenosis associated with dentoid process fracture in 1, and cervical disc herniation associated with cervical stenosis in 4 patients. Lamina or facet bone grafting were used to achieve a long-term stability, with decompression and anterior approach or not. The starting point for screw insertion was located 1 mm medial to the midpoint of the lateral mass and the direction of the screw was 40° caudally in the sagittal plane and 20° laterally in the axial plane. Results All screws insertion was successful. A total of 45 transarticular screws were inserted, with 2 in C4,5, 39 in C5,6 and 4 in C6,7. A total of 12 lateral mass screws were inserted, with 6 in C3 and 6 in C4. A total of 41 pedicle screws were inserted, with 4 in C2, 2 in C3 and 6 in C4, 21 in C7 and 8 in T1. There was no complication related to screw insertion, such as injury to the vertebral artery, nerve roots or spine cord. The follow-up period ranged from 10 months to 3 years and 8 months (mean 17 months). All cases got bone fusion. Only one instance of screw partial backout was identified, but fusion was achieved in all pa-tients. In the follow-up period, only one instance of screw partial backout was identified, but fusion was achieved in all patients. Conclusion The combined use of transarticular screws and lateral mass screws or pedicle screws fixation in the lower cervical spine can enlarge the advantages of strong stability,relatively simple, and reduce operating risk when performed appropriately.     

下颈椎经关节螺钉联合侧块或椎弓根螺钉固定的效果

Objective To discuss the effect of transarticular screws combined with lateral mass screws or pedicle screws through posterior approach in the lower cervical spine. Methods From February 2003 to October 2007, 22 patients were treated using transarticular screws internal fixation combined with lateral mass screws or pedicle screws in Axis plating system and Vertex system. There were cervical fracture and dislocation in 13 patients, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in 4, cervical canal stenosis associated with dentoid process fracture in 1, and cervical disc herniation associated with cervical stenosis in 4 patients. Lamina or facet bone grafting were used to achieve a long-term stability, with decompression and anterior approach or not. The starting point for screw insertion was located 1 mm medial to the midpoint of the lateral mass and the direction of the screw was 40° caudally in the sagittal plane and 20° laterally in the axial plane. Results All screws insertion was successful. A total of 45 transarticular screws were inserted, with 2 in C4,5, 39 in C5,6 and 4 in C6,7. A total of 12 lateral mass screws were inserted, with 6 in C3 and 6 in C4. A total of 41 pedicle screws were inserted, with 4 in C2, 2 in C3 and 6 in C4, 21 in C7 and 8 in T1. There was no complication related to screw insertion, such as injury to the vertebral artery, nerve roots or spine cord. The follow-up period ranged from 10 months to 3 years and 8 months (mean 17 months). All cases got bone fusion. Only one instance of screw partial backout was identified, but fusion was achieved in all pa-tients. In the follow-up period, only one instance of screw partial backout was identified, but fusion was achieved in all patients. Conclusion The combined use of transarticular screws and lateral mass screws or pedicle screws fixation in the lower cervical spine can enlarge the advantages of strong stability,relatively simple, and reduce operating risk when performed appropriately.     

抗滑动钢板治疗Letenneur Ⅰ型Hoffa骨折的生物力学研究

目的 通过对Letenneur Ⅰ型Hoffa骨折使用抗滑动钢板(使用锁定螺钉和松质骨螺钉两组)与松质骨螺钉(由前向后和由后向前固定两组)四种固定方式固定Letenneur Ⅰ型Hoffa骨折的力学进行比较,探讨抗滑动钢板在Hoffa骨折中的应用.方法 20个模型股骨造成相同的Letenneur Ⅰ型Hoffa骨折,随机分为四组,每组5个.A组使用由前向后两枚松质骨螺钉固定,B组使用由后向前两枚松质骨螺钉固定,C组使用抗滑动钢板加锁定螺钉固定,D组使用抗滑动钢板加松质骨螺钉固定.所有标本通过循环负荷试验和最大失效负荷试验,对最大位移平均值和最大失效负荷平均值进行比较.结果 在循环负荷试验中,第10、100、1000、10 000周期下,四组骨折块最大位移平均值间差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).而在最大失效负荷试验中,A组[(1224±72)N]和C[(2183±227)N]、D组[(2124±235)N]差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),B组[(1405±235)N]和C、D组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),A组和B组、c组和D组差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05). 结论对于简单的Hoffa骨折,固定后初期给予适当保护条件,四种固定方式都能取得满意的力学稳定性和强度.但对于预计骨折愈合时间长、体质量指数大、患者依从性差的患者,建议使用抗滑动钢板.     

A mechanical evaluation of two fixation methods using cancellous screws for coronal fractures of the lateral condyle of the distal femur (OTA type 33B)

PURPOSE: To compare the relative strength and stability of 2 fixation methods for displaced coronal shear fractures of the lateral femoral condyle (Hoffa fractures, OTA Type 33B3). SETTING: University Biomechanics laboratory. DESIGN: Eight matched pairs of embalmed femurs were divided into 2 groups and simulated Hoffa fractures were created. In each pair, 1 of the fractures was fixed with 2 screws placed in an anteroposterior direction, and in the other, the fracture was fixed with 2 screws placed in a posteroanterior direction. METHODS: All specimens were cyclically tested with simulated physiologic loading. Displacement of the femoral condyle was continuously measured to 10 cycles. The specimens were then loaded to failure. RESULTS: Fixation with posterior to anteriorly placed cancellous lag screws was significantly more stable than that with anterior to posteriorly placed screws at 10 cycles (P = 0.05), with 0.67 mm displacement compared to 1.36 mm, respectively. They were also more stable at 10, 100, and 1000 cycles; however, these displacements were not statistically significant. Fixation with posteriorly placed cancellous screws also had significantly higher ultimate strength (P = 0.04), 1700 N compared to 1025 N for anterior placement. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: Lag screws placed posterior to anterior provided more stable fixation of Hoffa fractures in embalmed femurs than anteroposteriorly placed lag screws. This finding may apply in the clinical setting; however, this technique requires that the screw heads be recessed beneath the articular surface. The effects of the cartilage defects so created are not known. The choice of technique is also determined by concomitant fractures and the exposure required for their fixation.     

空心拉力螺钉治疗Hoffa骨折

目的:探讨空心拉力螺钉治疗Hoffa骨折的手术方法及临床疗效。方法:2001年2月至2009年5月采用空心拉力螺钉治疗Hoffa骨折13例,男8例,女5例;年龄23～45岁,平均34.2岁;左侧6例,右侧7例。按Letenneur分型:股骨外髁,Ⅰ型3例,Ⅲ型2例;股骨内髁,Ⅰ型3例,Ⅱ型2例,Ⅲ型3例。根据骨折类型,按不同入路应用松质骨空心拉力螺钉内固定治疗。结果:13例均获随访,时间12～23个月,平均16.5个月。所有患者未发现腘窝动脉、胫神经或腓总神经等并发症。术后半年根据Letenneur膝关节功能评分,优10例,可3例。术后半年X线片示骨折骨性愈合,未发现空心螺纹钉松动、断裂及骨折不愈合等。结论:空心拉力螺钉治疗Hoffa骨折临床疗效满意,手术入路及内固定方式应根据骨折类型、骨折线的位置及骨折块的大小等因素综合判断。     

Coronal fractures of the medial femoral condyle: a series of 6 cases and review of literature

Isolated coronal fracture of medial femoral condyle with intact lateral femoral condyle is extremely rare. We present our experience with such 6 cases of coronal fractures of medial femoral condyle. We reviewed all case records of cases of coronal fractures of femoral condyle which presented to our centre from Jan 2000 to Jun 2009. Of 72 such cases, 56 were of lateral condyle, 9 were bicondylar, and 7 were only medial femoral condyle fractures. However, one of the 7 cases was a skeletally immature child with a physeal injury and hence excluded. All the 6 patients with medial femoral condyle fractures were retrospectively evaluated both clinically and radiologically. Of the 6 patients with medial condyle fractures, three patients had an isolated medial femoral condyle fracture, while three of them had associated fractures. Four of these patients were identified at the initial presentation. However, the fracture was missed during initial evaluation in one of the patients, while another patient presented with neglected medial Hoffa fracture after 6 months of injury. Mechanism of injury was direct impact to the medial side of knee in flexion in 4 out of 6 cases. All cases were operated through medial or antero-medial approach, and fixation was achieved in all with antero-posterior screws. All cases united at a mean period of 4.6 months. Coronal fractures of the medial femoral condyle are very rare, and there is a highly likelihood of these fractures being missed by an average orthopaedic surgeon. A high index of suspicion is necessary for early diagnosis especially in cases of undisplaced fractures. Being intra-articular, the ideal management includes open reduction and internal fixation. Medial or antero-medial approach with antero-posterior screws is the preferred method for fixation.     

Surgical treatment of lateral Hoffa fracture with a locking plate through the lateral approach

Objectives

The goal of this study is to determine the efficacy of the surgical treatment of lateral Hoffa fracture with a locking plate and cannulated or lag screws through the lateral approach.

Materials and methods

A total of 12 isolated lateral Hoffa fractures were identified during the study period (February 2005 to February 2010). All fractures were treated by open reduction through the lateral approach. Internal fixation was performed with a contoured locking plate and cannulated or lag screws introduced from the non-weight-bearing area of the cartilage surface of the lateral femoral condyle. Radiological and functional outcome analysis was performed using Knee Society scores.

Results

Bony union of Hoffa fracture was achieved in all patients. The articular surface of lateral femoral condyle was anatomically reduced. There was no loss of reduction and fixation. Functional outcome of knee measurements showed a continuous significant improvement over the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Fixation with a locking plate and cannulated or lag screws for lateral Hoffa fracture seemed to be effective and reliable. The lateral approach had advantages for reduction and fixation of lateral Hoffa fracture during operation.     

Hoffa fracture associated with ipsilateral femoral shaft fracture: clinical feature and treatment

Hoffa fracture associated with ipsilateral femoral shaft fracture is very rare.Three cases of this rare type of injury were retrospectively reviewed.The sites of femoral shaft fractures and Hoffa fractures were documented.All femoral shaft fractures were managed with internal fixation.The rate of misdiagnosis for the Hoffa fractures was documented.Functions of the affected knees were evaluated according to the modified Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores at two years follow-up.Femoral fractures were either transverse or composite in all three cases.Ipsilateral Hoffa fractures occurred at medial condyle in two cases,and lateral condyle in one case.Only one Hoffa fracture was identified preoperatively.All the femoral shaft fractures healed uneventfully.In the patient whose Hoffa fracture was correctly diagnosed,the modified HSS score was 94.In another patient,whose Hoffa fracture was treated by a second operation,the modified HSS score was 93.And in the third case,who refused additional operation for the Hoffa fracture,the modified HSS score was only 70.Conclusively femoral shaft fracture can be associated with ipsilateral Hoffa fracture,especially in motorcycle accident.This type of injury is very rare and misdiagnosis is common.     

Retrograde intramedullary nailing of supracondylar femoral fractures: design and development of a new implant

Since 1992 we have developed an implant in which the distal (condylar) screws have a diagonal configuration so that the screws can be closer to the distal end of the nail, allowing more distal fractures to be fixed. It also utilises the denser bone of the posterior condyles for more secure fixation in osteoporotic patients. The new implant was used for 24 extra-articular fractures from September 1994 to September 1997, and for 14 articular fractures from February 1995 to December 2000. There was no significant difficulty with obtaining fixation in very distal fractures and in osteoporotic bone. Early weightbearing was encouraged in those with extra-articular fractures. All fractures united within 3 months except one which required a bone graft (but no revision of implant) at 6 months. Average knee flexion at final followup was 101 degrees for extra-articular fractures and 106 degrees for articular fractures. Complications included quadriceps adhesions requiring further surgery in two patients who had open fractures, and malunion in one patient who had an early design of the implant and a 4.5mm condylar screw broke. Nine patients required late removal of condylar screws due to local soft tissue irritation.     

The missing piece of the trauma armoury-medial femoral condyle plate

Fixation of distal femoral fractures is often challenging due to the fracture configuration and associated poor bone quality. Dual plating (lateral and medial) has become an acceptable option to provide improved stability versus a single plate fixation.Though there are several commercially available anatomically designed plates for the lateral femoral condyle, there is no anatomic plate available in UK specifically for medial fixation of distal femur fractures.Our aim is to determine the best suited pre-contoured plate for stabilising the medial femoral condyle (MFC).Right sided femur sawbones were used to determine how well 18 different pre-contoured anatomical plates (Depuy Synthes, Leeds, UK) fit the medial femoral condyle. Some of these had variable angle (VA) option. Lift off, fit and notch penetration were assessed and recorded independently by 4 orthopaedic trauma surgeons. The number and distribution of screws in the MFC that each plate allowed was also determined. To do this the MFC was divided into quadrants: Proximal anterior (PA), distal anterior (DA), proximal posterior (PP) and distal posterior (DP).The ipsilateral anterolateral proximal tibial (VA and 4.5 mm non-VA), PHILOS, posteromedial proximal tibial and ipsilateral lateral extra-articular distal humeral plate offered good sagittal fit, less than 2 mm lift off at the condyles and no diaphyseal lift off. Plate positioning in the PA quadrant offered the best fit.The ipsilateral anterolateral proximal tibial plates (VA) and PHILOS allowed at least 4 screws to be placed in the PA and 2 in the PP quadrant with no notch penetration. The Tomofix provided good fit, but all 4 screws were in PA quadrant, with distal screws causing notch penetration. The non-VA and PHILOS plates did not offer the VA advantage.The ipsilateral anterolateral proximal tibial VA plates provided the best anatomical fit for the MFC with the greatest number of screws in the condylar quadrants with the option of variable angle screw placement.     

Coronal fractures of the femoral condyle: a brief report of five cases

Coronal fractures of the femoral condyle (Hoffa fractures) are uncommon injuries that have a better outcome when treated surgically. We report a series of five Hoffa fractures (including one nonunion) treated at a Level 1 trauma center by one surgeon employing a protocol of open reduction and internal fixation with lag screws through a formal parapatellar approach. Postoperatively, all patients began immediate unrestricted range of motion. Initial weight bearing was limited, but all patients were permitted full weight bearing by 10 weeks. All fractures healed within 12 weeks without complications. The final range of motion for the patients with acute fractures was at least 0 degrees to 115 degrees. The patient with a nonunion had a preoperative flexion contracture of 20 degrees and a final range of motion of 20 degrees to 125 degrees. Long-term follow-up (average 37 months, range 18-57 months) was available for 3 of the 5 patients, and Knee Society scores were calculated for these patients (average 173 of 200 points, range 160-180 points). The literature regarding the management of Hoffa fractures is reviewed.     

The dynamic condylar screw in the management of subtrochanteric fractures: does judicious use of biological fixation enhance overall results?

Subtrochanteric fractures are fraught with certain anatomic, biologic and biomechanical challenges. Evolution of implants like the Gamma nail, fixed-angle nail plates, compression hip screws and dynamic hip screws with trochanteric stabilization plates underlines a persistent quest for a better implant. We studied the dynamic condylar screw DCS as an implant on a series of 30 consecutive patients with subtrochanteric fractures. Our purpose was to assess this implant as a panacea for subtrochanteric fractures. All cases of AO type A and B were anatomically fixed, whereas type C was biologically plated. The idea was to assess the applicability and adaptability of the DCS. Fractures in 29 cases united, with one patient suffering from an implant failure. There were 17 excellent, 5 good, 5 fair and 3 poor results. The DCS is a definite advance over previous methods of treatment; when combined with the utilization of biological fixation techniques for comminuted fractures, can be relied upon to treat all types of subtrochanteric fractures.