Surgical treatment of femoral medial condyle fracture with lag screws and proximal tibial plate: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Femoral medial condyle fracture is a rare fracture. Here, we report a case of femoral medial condyle fracture treated with lag screws and proximal tibial plate as a buttress plate. CASE PRESENTATION: A 80-year-old woman fell down 15 steps at her home and reported to our hospital with severe right knee pain. Radiographs and computed tomography demonstrated a femoral medial condyle fracture in the right knee (AO classification: 33-B2). Two days after injury, we performed open reduction and internal fixation using locking compression plate for proximal tibia and screws. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery. At the latest follow-up, the patient achieved a range of motion of 0° to 120° and could walk without pain. DISCUSSION: Femoral medial condyle fracture is a rare fracture. As with any articular injury, anatomical restoration of the joint surface must be obtained, then lag screw fixation is required. In fractures with a vertical fracture line, a buttress plate is necessary to counteract the vertical shear forces. Nevertheless, there are no available anatomical plates that fit either the femoral medial condyle or fracture fixation, except for the relatively short plate developed for distal femoral osteotomy. We used a locking compression plate - proximal tibial plate 4.5/5.0 (Depuy Synthes TRAUMA) as a buttress plate. The implant fitted well and enhanced joint stability. Postoperative radiographs confirmed anatomical reduction, and the patient achieved a good result. CONCLUSION: The locking compression plate for proximal tibia is an acceptable solution for femoral medial condyle fracture.