Intercondylar fossa screw with plate fixation for Letenneur type III Hoffa fractures

Abstract

To investigate clinical effect of intercondylar fossa screw with plate fixation in treating Letenneur type III Hoffa fractures. From March 2005 to December 2014, 7 patients with Letenneur type III Hoffa fracture were treated by intercondylar fossa screw with plate fixation, including 5 males and 2 females aged from 27 to 68 years old with an average of 42.6 years old. Five patients were on lateral condyle and 2 patient on internal condyle. All fractures were closed and type III fractures according to Letenneur classification. Fracture healing, postoperative complications were observed, Letenneur standard was used to evaluate clinical effects. All patients were followed up from 13 to 26 months with an average of 17.8 months. All fractures were healed well ranged from 9 to 15 weeks with an average of 12.4 weeks. No inflammation, bone nonunion and osteonecrosis occurred. According to Letenneur scoring, 6 cases obtained excellent results and 1 moderate. Intercondylar fossa screw with plate fixation is a safe and effective way for Letenneur type III Hoffa fractures, which could improve stability of fracture, promote fracture healing, benefit for early exercise, and further improve knee function.