Hoffa fracture

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Hoffa fracture
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Pain, swelling, inability to bear weight
Complications	Osteoarthritis, nonunion, malunion
Onset	Sudden, due to trauma
Duration
Types	Medial, lateral, bilateral
Causes	Direct trauma to the knee, often from a fall or motor vehicle accident
Risks	High-energy trauma, sports injuries
Diagnosis	X-ray, CT scan
Differential diagnosis	Distal femur fracture, Patellar fracture
Prevention	Use of protective gear, safe practices in sports and activities
Treatment	Surgical fixation, physical therapy
Medication	Pain management
Prognosis	Generally good with proper treatment, but depends on severity
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Hoffa fracture is a specific type of distal femur fracture that involves the condyles of the femur. It is characterized by a coronal fracture of the posterior aspect of the femoral condyles. This type of fracture is relatively rare and is often associated with high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or falls from significant heights. Understanding the anatomy, mechanism of injury, diagnosis, and treatment options for Hoffa fractures is crucial for effective management and optimal patient outcomes.

Anatomy

The femur, or thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone in the human body. The distal end of the femur expands into two rounded protrusions known as the medial and lateral condyles, which articulate with the tibia and patella to form the knee joint. The condyles are separated by the intercondylar notch and are crucial for knee stability and movement.

Mechanism of Injury

Hoffa fractures typically result from a direct force applied to the knee, which may occur during a high-energy impact. The position of the knee at the time of injury, such as flexion or extension, can influence the specific pattern of the fracture. These fractures can also be associated with other injuries to the knee, including ligament tears and meniscal damage.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a Hoffa fracture involves a thorough clinical evaluation and imaging studies. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and inability to bear weight on the affected leg. X-rays are the initial imaging modality used to assess the fracture. However, due to the coronal plane orientation of Hoffa fractures, they may be difficult to visualize on standard X-rays. Computed tomography (CT) scans are more effective in identifying the fracture lines and assessing the extent of the injury.

Treatment

The treatment of Hoffa fractures generally involves surgical intervention to achieve anatomical reduction and stable fixation of the fracture fragments. Various surgical techniques and fixation devices, such as screws and plates, may be used depending on the specific characteristics of the fracture. Postoperative rehabilitation is essential to restore knee function and includes physical therapy exercises to improve range of motion and strength.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with Hoffa fractures depends on several factors, including the severity of the fracture, the presence of associated injuries, and the effectiveness of surgical treatment. Early and appropriate management is key to minimizing complications and ensuring a favorable outcome.

Complications

Complications associated with Hoffa fractures can include nonunion or malunion of the fracture, knee stiffness, and post-traumatic arthritis. Adequate surgical fixation and adherence to a structured rehabilitation program can help mitigate these risks.

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