Fractures of the tibial plateau. Treatment by closed reduction and spica cast.

A retrospective study of sixty-one displaced fractures of the tibial plateau treated by closed manipulative reduction and immobilization for six weeks in a molded single hip-spica cast revealed that there was bone union in all cases. Weight-bearing was carefully avoided for twelve to sixteen weeks while motion of the knee was regained. Fifty-three patients were followed for six months to twenty-two years, an average of 3.8 years. Objectively, 85 per cent of the patients' results were rated good or excellent while subjectively 94 per cent of the patients were satisfied with their results.