Non-union lateral femoral condyle Hoffa fracture: a case report

An isolated Hoffa fracture of either of the femoral condyle is infrequently encountered. Owing to its rarity, it is often missed and subsequently results in non-union. The knowledge of its surgical management comes from the sporadically reported cases in the literature. The most preferred approach is parapatellar, providing adequate exposure of the fracture and the joint surface. We report a case of non-union of Letteneur-2C lateral condyle Hoffa fracture of the left distal femur in a young adult as a result of missed bony injury. Surgical fixation was done using a posterolateral approach to the knee and fixing the fracture with headless compression screws placed posteroanteriorly. After about 1 year of follow up, patient demonstrated excellent functional outcome in the form of a pain free mobilisation and near normal range of motion. We emphasise the fact that the importance of vigilance while diagnosing fractures of distal femur cannot be stressed enough and with proper surgical management and rehabilitation, desirable results can be achieved.