The treatment of fractures of the tibial plateau by skeletal traction and early mobilisation.

We have treated all varieties of fractures of the tibial plateau, including lateral, medial and bicondylar fractures by skeletal traction and early mobilisation. A study of 50 such fractures is presented and the functional results are evaluated. The average follow up is 2 years. The results of skeletal traction and early mobilisation are shown to be good in 94% of the cases. We wish to demonstrate the extent of remoulding and ultimate reformation of the condyles which occurs, and the recovery of movement of the joint which is achieved by this method.