Original researchSurgical treatment and rehabilitation of medial Hoffa fracture fixed by locking plate and additional screws: A retrospective cohort study

- Evaluate our strategy of treatments for the medial Hoffa fracture.
- A locking plate combined additional scerws were used for fixing the medial Hoffa fracture.
- Early active rehabilitation should be taken after steady fixation.
- Fixation with a locking plate and additional scerws combined early rehabilitation might give satisfactory functional results.

PurposeHoffa fracture fixed by only using a single plate or lag screws might be not strong enough to achieve direct stability. The goal of this study is to determine the functional outcome of the surgical treatment and rehabilitation of medial Hoffa fracture by a locking plate combined with cannulated or lag screws.MethodsA total of 13 patients suffering isolated medical Hoffa fractures were identified during the study period (2005.February-2013.February) and retrospectively analyzed. All the fractures were treated by open reduction via the medial approach, and internal fixation by a locking plate combined with cannulated or lag screws. Early active rehabilitation including tele-rehabilitation for rural patients with restricted weight bearing was instituted after the surgical treatment. The radiological and functional outcome analysis was performed by using Knee Society Score (KSS), the range of movement (ROM), and the stability of fixation of the patients during 24 month follow-up.ResultsThe bone union of medial Hoffa fractures was achieved in all patients. The articular surface of medial femoral condyle was anatomically reduced. There was no loss of reduction and fixation. All patients achieved satisfactory knee joint function and regained their walking ability with good clinical results through early postsurgical rehabilitation. Ten patients (77%) had 0°-130° range of motion with full extension; two patients (15%) had 0°-115° range of motion; one patient (8%) had 0°-110° range of motion. The KSS of all the patients were more than 80, and the scores of seven patients (54%) were more than 85.ConclusionFixation with a locking plate and cannulated or lag screws for medial Hoffa fracture seemed to be effective and reliable for achieving anatomical reduction, and gave satisfactory functional results when coupled with aggressive rehabilitation.