Hoffa fracture: a case report

Unicondylar fractures of the femur that occur in the coronal plane (Hoffa fractures) are uncommon and most often affect the lateral condyle. Conservative treatment generally yields poor results, but rigid internal fixation allows early functional rehabilitation and decreases the incidence of malunion, nonunion, and stability loss. This case report describes open reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of a young man with a Hoffa fracture. The fragment was reduced and fixed with a cannulated corticocancellous screw. At 16-month follow-up, the fracture was completely healed and he was able to achieve a normal range of movement, with 145o flexion of the knee and full extension. To achieve favorable long-term results in coronal plane fractures of femoral condyles, open reduction, stable fixation and early mobilization are mandatory. Physical rehabilitation should be initiated as soon as possible to minimize joint contractures.