Stability of the elevated fragment in tibial plateau fractures. A radiographic stereophotogrammetric study of postoperative healing.

Five cases of fracture of the lateral tibial condyle of the split-depression type were treated by elevation of the depressed fragment, bone grafting and cancellous bone screws. During the operation, tantalum markers were inserted into the depressed fragment and the tibial metaphysis for radiographic stereophotogrammetric analysis. Postoperatively a plaster cast was applied for one month and weightbearing was not allowed for 3 months. In three cases, a depression of the elevated fragment, at the most 2.8 mm, recurred during the first month after operation. This was not considered to be significant and more aggressive postoperative mobilisation may be warranted.