M Walz1, F Auerbach, B Kolbow, T Junker. 1. Abteilung für Unfall-, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Klinikum Uelzen. walzmed@web.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Treatment of displaced tibial plateau fractures is often complicated by high-energy trauma and soft tissue damage. Therefore, numerous techniques such as indirect or arthroscopically controlled reduction and percutaneous osteosynthesis have been described to reduce the additional surgical trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three fractures (AO type 41-B2/3, Schatzker type II-IV) were treated with percutaneous, fluoroscopically guided reduction combined with small fragment osteosynthesis using a radius T-plate. In none of the patient was cancellous bone graft performed. Only in one case was arthrotomy necessary because of uncertain image intensification findings in an obese patient. One revision was done for a 4-mm step caused by an over reduced rim fragment. Fracture healing and full weight bearing were achieved after 8-12 weeks. Neither secondary displacement nor implant loosening was seen under primary functional treatment without immobilization. RESULTS: Functional recovery showed a mean ROM of 114 degrees after 6 weeks and 121 degrees after 3 months. The radius T-plate offers enough stability to allow primary functional treatment due to early recovery of joint motion. Percutaneous reduction and small fragment osteosynthesis is a less invasive approach in the treatment of displaced monocondylar tibial plateau fractures.
BACKGROUND: Treatment of displaced tibial plateau fractures is often complicated by high-energy trauma and soft tissue damage. Therefore, numerous techniques such as indirect or arthroscopically controlled reduction and percutaneous osteosynthesis have been described to reduce the additional surgical trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three fractures (AO type 41-B2/3, Schatzker type II-IV) were treated with percutaneous, fluoroscopically guided reduction combined with small fragment osteosynthesis using a radius T-plate. In none of the patient was cancellous bone graft performed. Only in one case was arthrotomy necessary because of uncertain image intensification findings in an obesepatient. One revision was done for a 4-mm step caused by an over reduced rim fragment. Fracture healing and full weight bearing were achieved after 8-12 weeks. Neither secondary displacement nor implant loosening was seen under primary functional treatment without immobilization. RESULTS: Functional recovery showed a mean ROM of 114 degrees after 6 weeks and 121 degrees after 3 months. The radius T-plate offers enough stability to allow primary functional treatment due to early recovery of joint motion. Percutaneous reduction and small fragment osteosynthesis is a less invasive approach in the treatment of displaced monocondylar tibial plateau fractures.