Custom-made lateral femoral condyle replacement for traumatic bone loss: a case report

We report the case of a 24 year-old patient who underwent a novel treatment for a lateral femoral condyle fracture. The fracture was associated with extensive joint line depression and not considered suitable for conventional fixation techniques. Existing reconstructive options for such situations include unicondylar osteoarticular allograft, arthrodesis and arthroplasty. However, these techniques all present significant disadvantages, particularly in the management of active patients. We report our medium-term results following reconstruction using a custom-made lateral femoral condyle hemiarthroplasty replacement. Follow-up at 48 months revealed an excellent, pain-free level of function, with an Oxford Knee Score of 46/48, a Knee Society knee score of 87/100 and a functional score of 100/100. Radiographs demonstrated no evidence of prosthesis loosening or migration and no erosion of the lateral tibial plateau. The technique allows preservation of the remaining normal joint surface of the femur that may promote earlier and better restoration of function. Furthermore, the isolated condyle hemi-replacement maximises bone preservation, facilitating future anticipated revisions. The procedure presents an attractive alternative to other surgical options and their attendant problems. Further investigation into this technique is required before widespread adoption, though such studies will be compromised by the relative rarity of patients in whom the technique is indicated.