Intramedullary compression nailing offers stable tibiotalar arthrodesis fixation with a large bony contact area and may enhance the likelihood of successful tibiotalar arthrodesis.

No abstract

Isolated depression fractures of the femoral condyle are rare, but severe injuries due the destroyed congruency of the articular surface in the weight-bearing region of the joint. In most cases, an arthrotomy with fragment reduction and internal fixation by screws buttress or plates is performed. Disadvantages of this procedure are the approach-related complications. Furthermore, an implant removal is necessary, if a secondary osteoarthrosis develops. We present a female patient with a hyperflexion trauma of her right knee, resulting in an isolated depression fracture of the medial femoral condyle. To avoid arthrotomy-related morbidity, the impressed fragment was retrograde addressed using navigated guidance and reduced indirectly under arthroscopic control. Via the retrograde intraosseous tunnel a biodegradable screw was used as a buttress against the fragment to prevent a re-dislocation. The fracture healed without any complications and the patient re-administered her sports activities at 10 weeks follow-up. This procedure enables an accurate reduction and stable fixation of joint depression fragments via a minimal invasive approach.