Load tolerance of tibial plateau depressions reinforced with a cluster of K-wires.

The efficacy of subchondral Kirschner wires in enhancing load tolerance of the tibial plateau articular cartilage was examined in a biomechanical study of cadaveric tibias. Seven patterns of K-wires were evaluated under axial loading equivalent to the maximum loading of the knee during normal gait. Subchondral K-wire reinforcement of tibial plateau depressions significantly enhanced load tolerance. This suggests that a subchondral cluster of K-wires in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures may protect the articular cartilage from the loss of reduction resulting from the forces applied to the knee during non-weight-bearing motion.