Arthroscopic-assisted fixation of Hoffa fracture: A case report and description of technique

Medial condyle Hoffa fractures are intra articular injuries, which require prompt anatomical reduction and internal fixation. Arthroscopy-guided fixation of these fractures has also been advocated; the advantages include avoidance of soft tissue dissection, fast recovery and mobilization. We describe a case of a 28-year-old male patient presenting with a 10-day-old medial condylar Hoffa fracture. Skin condition prevented from conventional open reduction and internal fixation; hence, taking note of the urgency of fixation of an intraarticular fracture, arthroscopic-assisted minimally invasive approach was performed with good outcome.     

Gas geyser syndrome: An important preventable cause of disabling neurological events

To bring to light the greatly hazardous effects of the use of flue less gas geysers in the domestic setting. Over a period of two years (2008 to 2010) twenty six cases were documented as presenting with unexplained neurological events while bathing in an ill ventilated bathroom with a functional flue less gas geyser. The cases were mainly of three distinct prototypes namely seizure like episodes seen in 11 patients, carbon monoxide intoxication in 13 patients with near cardiac arrest in 4, and as a precipitating factor for epilepsy as seen in 2 cases. Out of the 13 cases presenting as carbon monoxide intoxication 4 had subtle cognitive defects and 2 developed early Parkinsonian features on follow up. To increase awareness regarding gas geyser induced epilepsy and associated carbon monoxide intoxication, both of which are entirely preventable conditions. We also wish to emphasize the importance of stringent and universal implementation of gas geyser usage and installation laws.