A Mechanical Evaluation of Two Fixation Methods Using Cancellous Screws for Coronal Fractures of the Lateral Condyle of the Distal Femur (OTA type 33B)

Abstract

Lag screws placed posterior to anterior provided more stable fixation of Hoffa fractures in embalmed femurs than anteroposteriorly placed lag screws. This finding may apply in the clinical setting; however, this technique requires that the screw heads be recessed beneath the articular surface. The effects of the cartilage defects so created are not known. The choice of technique is also determined by concomitant fractures and the exposure required for their fixation.