Clinical experience with management of Hoffa fractures using headless compression screw and headed screw

Abstract

Purposeto analyze the radiological and functional outcomes of patients after surgical treatment of coronal plane fractures of femoral condyle using headless compression screw and cannulated cancellous (CC) screws (headed screws). Material and methodIn this prospective study 30 cases were included, out of which 15 were treated with headed screws and other 15 were treated with headless screws. Active knee mobilization exercises were started from the third postoperative day. Initially, patients were kept non-weight bearing; partial weight bearing was started at 10 weeks and progressed to full weight bearing as tolerated. Follow-up visits conducted at 2, 4 and 12 weeks, thereafter at 6 and 12 months. The long term final results were rated using Neer's rating system. ResultsResults were graded as excellent (score > 85), Satisfactory (score 71–85), Unsatisfactory (score 56–70), and Failure (score < 55). In CC screw group the outcome was good in 10 cases (66.66%) and poor in 5 cases (33.33%) whereas in headless group outcome was good in 13 cases (86.66%) and poor in 2 (13.33%) Conclusionfixation of Hoffa fracture with headless compression screw in comparison to CC screw (Headed Screw) have no significant difference in terms of functional outcome like range of motion but complications and implant failure is significantly higher in cases fixed with CC screw than in headless screw. So we conclude that overall outcome is better in study group fixed with headless compression screw as compared to cases fixed with CC Screw.