Conventional radiographic examination in the evaluation of sequelae after tibial plateau fractures.

Seventy patients with 72 conservatively treated tibial plateau fractures were re-examined after an average of 5 3/4 years. Among 55 fractured knees with a primary articular depression of 1-20 mm, the depression was still present radiographically in 47 knees. No correlation existed between the persistent radiographic depression and function of the knee. Moderate to severe osteoarthrosis was found in 10 knees; in five of these the osteoarthrosis was of clinical importance. More than 10 degrees of valgus/varus deformity was present in two knees. In two patients osteotomy had been performed to correct deformity. It is concluded that a persistent radiographic articular depression is of no clinical importance in tibial plateau fractures treated by conservative methods, which include early movement of the knee. The radiographic examination, however is, useful in the evaluation of valgus/varus deformity and osteoarthrosis.