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Updated: May 21, 2026
Creating Rigidly Stabilized Fractures for Assessing Intramembranous Ossification, Distraction Osteogenesis, or Healing of Critical Sized Defects
Published on: April 11, 2012
Neglected Hoffa fracture in a child
Sujit Kumar Tripathy1, Aditya Aggarwal, Sandeep Patel
1Department of Orthopaedics, Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, UK. sujitortho@yahoo.co.in
Insights
This case report details a rare Hoffa fracture in a 12-year-old, successfully treated with surgical fixation. The child experienced excellent functional recovery, highlighting effective management of pediatric knee injuries.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Traumatology
Background:
- Hoffa fractures, or posterior femoral condyle fractures, are uncommon in pediatric populations.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for optimal outcomes in pediatric knee injuries.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old presented with chronic right knee pain, swelling, and instability.
- Imaging revealed a coronal plane fracture of the lateral femoral condyle, sparing the physeal cartilage.
Findings:
- The Hoffa fracture was surgically treated via a posterolateral approach with anatomical reduction and screw fixation.
- Radiographic union was achieved in 3 months, with excellent functional results at 2-year follow-up.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates the successful surgical management of a pediatric Hoffa fracture.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention can lead to favorable long-term functional recovery in children with this rare injury.
Abstract:
The clinical presentations and surgical outcome of a 4-month-old Hoffa fracture in a 12-year-old child are reported. The child presented with chronic pain, swelling and instability in the right knee joint. Lateral radiograph showed a small bone fragment on the posterior condyle, which raised the possibility of a fracture. Computed tomographic scan and MRI clearly delineated the coronal plane fracture of the lateral femoral condyle that had spared the physeal cartilage. The fracture was accessed through the posterolateral approach to the knee; the fragment was anatomically reduced and fixed with two partially threaded cancellous screws. Radiographic union was observed after 3 months, and after 2 years of follow-up, the child had excellent functional outcome.
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Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History: