Yanbin Zhu1,2,3, Junyong Li1,2,3, Kuo Zhao1,2,3, Junzhe Zhang1,2,3, Wei Chen4,5,6, Yingze Zhang7,8,9,10. 1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the 3rd Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, People's Republic of China. 2. Key Laboratory of Biomechanics of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, People's Republic of China. 3. Orthopaedic Institution of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, People's Republic of China. 4. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the 3rd Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, People's Republic of China. surgeonchenwei@126.com. 5. Key Laboratory of Biomechanics of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, People's Republic of China. surgeonchenwei@126.com. 6. Orthopaedic Institution of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, People's Republic of China. surgeonchenwei@126.com. 7. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the 3rd Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, People's Republic of China. drzhang2013@126.com. 8. Key Laboratory of Biomechanics of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, People's Republic of China. drzhang2013@126.com. 9. Orthopaedic Institution of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, People's Republic of China. drzhang2013@126.com. 10. Chinese Academy of Engineering, Beijing, 100088, People's Republic of China. drzhang2013@126.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Given the contrapositive link between the posterior tibial plateau and the femoral condyle and the similar injury cause, the fracture type should be the same as the well-known Hoffa fracture of the femoral condyle. This study aims to report a case series with Hoffa-like tibial plateau fractures to improve understanding. METHODS: We analysed six consecutive patients presented with Hoffa-like tibial plateau fractures in our hospital between October 2014 and December 2020, a period in which 1924 tibial plateau fractures were treated. Patients' data on demographics, radiographs, surgical therapy, and assessment at a 12-month follow-up were retrieved. RESULTS: The incidence of Hoffa-like tibial plateau fractures was 0.31% (6/1924). This study included three men and three women, with a mean age of 45.8 years. The injury mechanism was either a fall from a great height or a vehicle accident. On average, 7.5 days after the injury, patients were surgically treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with place/screws via a lateral or posteromedial approach. At 10 to 15 weeks, all instances had osseous union on radiography. At 12-month follow-up, the HSS score of the operated knee ranged from 93 to 98 points (mean: 94.8), and Rasmussen radiograph score was from 15 to 18 (mean: 15.8). There were no intra-operative or post-operative problems. CONCLUSION: This Hoffa-like fracture of the tibial plateau is a rare condition; however, it can occur. Orthopaedic surgeons should pay attention to this neglected but actually familiar fracture type.
BACKGROUND: Given the contrapositive link between the posterior tibial plateau and the femoral condyle and the similar injury cause, the fracture type should be the same as the well-known Hoffa fracture of the femoral condyle. This study aims to report a case series with Hoffa-like tibial plateau fractures to improve understanding. METHODS: We analysed six consecutive patients presented with Hoffa-like tibial plateau fractures in our hospital between October 2014 and December 2020, a period in which 1924 tibial plateau fractures were treated. Patients' data on demographics, radiographs, surgical therapy, and assessment at a 12-month follow-up were retrieved. RESULTS: The incidence of Hoffa-like tibial plateau fractures was 0.31% (6/1924). This study included three men and three women, with a mean age of 45.8 years. The injury mechanism was either a fall from a great height or a vehicle accident. On average, 7.5 days after the injury, patients were surgically treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with place/screws via a lateral or posteromedial approach. At 10 to 15 weeks, all instances had osseous union on radiography. At 12-month follow-up, the HSS score of the operated knee ranged from 93 to 98 points (mean: 94.8), and Rasmussen radiograph score was from 15 to 18 (mean: 15.8). There were no intra-operative or post-operative problems. CONCLUSION: This Hoffa-like fracture of the tibial plateau is a rare condition; however, it can occur. Orthopaedic surgeons should pay attention to this neglected but actually familiar fracture type.