Background: Coronal fractures of distal end femur, referred as Hoffa’s fracture are not uncommon, yet easily missed injuries lacking proper classification system and consensus for ideal treatment. While most trauma surgeons adopt different strategies based on the fracture configuration and their own experience, there are no set ways to classify these based on the most appropriate treatment strategy. Methods: Thirty cases of Hoffa fracture from tertiary care centres were studied for the fracture pattern, fragment size, comminution and possible variations to formulate a radiological classification and treatment guidelines. Additionally, a literature search was used to analyze 77 case studies based on Hoffa fracture to find out the common fracture patterns and treatment modalities adopted for varying fracture patterns in these studies. Six independent observers participated in testing the inter-observer reliability of the proposed classification. Results: A new proposed radiological classification for Hoffa fracture consists of four main types. Type 1 is with fracture fragment >2.5 cm, Type 2 with fragment <2.5 cm, Type 3 is comminuted fracture, Type 4 are subdivided as Type 4a – Anterior, Type 4b – Bicondylar, Type 4c – Osteochondral type and Type 4d – With supracondylar extension. Optimum treatment modality depends on the type of Hoffa’s fracture and has been suggested in the study. Interobserver reliability demonstrated that overall agreement was 0.907692 with a fixed marginal Kappa of 0.881067 and free Marginal Kappa at 0.892308. Intra-observer reliability test for the classification system showed a strong Kappa value of +1.0. Conclusion: The new suggested classification helps identify different types of Hoffa’s fracture. This is likely to help decide optimal surgical treatment depending on the nature of the injury. The classification system has high inter and intra-observer reliability that enables its universal applicability.
The debate continues over the management of diaphyseal fractures of the humerus. There are a variety of extramedullary as well as intramedullary implants. We aim to propose a technique of passing the screw intramedullary nails and achieve union with least trauma to the shoulder and the rotator cuff. The multiple elastic screw nails achieve the inherent stability based on the principle of "three point fixation". We aim to propose that the screw intramedullary nail is an effective implant to facilitate uneventful fracture union, with rapid recovery, low morbidity and low learning curve capable of being replicated in any smaller operative set up.
<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Proximal humeral fracture is 3rd most common fracture in elderly population. Selection of appropriate implant is always challenging to get optimum results in these osteoporotic bones. Though locking plates are gold standard, major complications range from 9% to 36%. To study clinical and radiological outcome of J nail technique for Neer’s three or four part proximal humeral fractures in patients more than 60 years age.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> We retrospectively studied 60 patients of 3 or 4 part proximal humeral fractures, >60 years of age treated with J nail technique from the period of 2015 to 2017. J nails were made using 2 mm 12 inches blunt tip Lambrinudi wires. At final follow-up, clinical outcome was assessed using constant score and radiological evaluation was done according to the Bahr criteria.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The mean constant score at final follow-up was 90. The postoperative reduction was excellent in 98% of patients and remained excellent in 90%. The mean postoperative neck shaft angle was 135.0° and final neck shaft angle was 131.4°. No deep infection was seen. No avascular necrosis of humeral head was found till follow up to 2 years.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Our study suggests that the functional and radiological outcomes obtained with J nailing are excellent and similar to locking plates and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation with many other advantages of being simple, minimally invasive, avoiding muscle transfixation and no pin site infections.</p>
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