Coronal Fractures of the Femoral Condyle

Coronal fractures of the femoral condyle (Hoffa fractures) are uncommon injuries that have a better outcome when treated surgically. We report a series affive Hoffa fractures (including one nonunion) treated at a Levell trauma center by one surgeon employing a protocol ofopen reduction and internal fIxation with lag screws through a formal parapatellar approach. Postoperatively, all patients began immediate unrestricted range ofmation. Initial weight bearing was limited, but all patients were permitted full weight bearing by 10 weeks. All fractures healed within 12 weeks without complications. The fInal range of mation for the patients with acute fractures was at least0° to 115°. The patientwith a nonunionhad a preoperative flexion contracture of 20° and a final range of motion of 20° to 125°. Long-termfollow-up (average37 months,range 18-57 months)was available for 3 of the 5 patients, and Knee Societyscores' were calculatedfor these patients (average 173of200 points, range 160-180 points). The literature regardingthemanagementof Hoffafractures is reviewed.