• Tao Lin, Shuhua Yang, Baojun Xiao, and Dehao Fu.
• Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Hubei, 430022, P.R.China.
• Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2013 Sep 1; 27 (9): 1050-3.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of cannulated lag screws combined with lateral supporting plates in the treatment of Hoffa fracture of Letenneur type I and type III.MethodsBetween May 2004 and April 2011, 11 patients with Hoffa fracture of Letenneur type I and type III were treated, including 6 males and 5 females with an average age of 36 years (range, 25-47 years). Factures were caused by traffic accident in 8 cases, by falling in 2 cases, and by the other in 1 case. Fracture involved the left knee in 7 patients and the right knee in 4 patients. According Letenneur's classification criteria, there were 7 type I fractures (6 lateral condyle fractures and 1 medial condyle fracture) and 4 type III fractures (3 lateral condyle fractures and 1 medial condyle fracture). Of 11 fractures, 9 were fresh fractures and 2 were old fractures. Two 6.5 mm cannulated lag screws combined with lateral supporting plates were used to fix fractures by anterolateral or anteromedial incision.ResultsAll incisions achieved primary healing with no early complication. All patients were followed up 12-26 months (mean, 15 months). X-ray films showed bone healing with an average healing time of 15 weeks (range, 10-18 weeks). No loosening or breaking of internal fixator was observed; the removal time of internal fixation was 9-15 months (mean, 12 months). Accoding to Letenneur's functional assessment system, the results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 3 cases, and poor in 1 case at last follow-up.ConclusionCannulated lag screws combined with lateral supporting plates fixation is effective in treatment of Hoffa fracture of Letenneur type I and type III with a high union rate; anterolateral or anteromedial approach is the first choice for Hoffa fracture of type I and type III, especially for complicating by tibial plateau fracture or patella fracture.

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