Medium-term results of percutaneous, arthroscopically-assisted osteosynthesis of fractures of the tibial plateau.

We carried out percutaneous, arthroscopically- and fluoroscopically-assisted osteosynthesis of fractures of the tibial plateau in 52 patients, of whom 38 were assessed using the HSS knee score and standing radiographs. We reviewed 31 AO type-B fractures and seven type-C fractures after a mean follow-up of five years (1 to 14). Fixation was achieved using percutaneous screws and/or an external frame; 33 associated intra-articular injuries, diagnosed in 21 out of the 38 patients, were treated arthroscopically. Subjectively, 94.7% of the patients reviewed were satisfied. According to the HSS knee score 78.9% of the results were excellent, 13.2% good, 7.9% fair and none was poor. Narrowing of the joint space was found in 28.9% of the injured and 5.3% of the unaffected knees and axial deviation of 5 degrees to 10 degrees in 15.8% of the injured and 10.5% of the unaffected knees. Of the 52 fractures, reduction was incomplete in one, and in two secondary displacement occurred, of which one required corrective osteotomy. Deep-venous thrombosis occurred in four cases. The technique has proved to be safe but demanding. It facilitates diagnosis and appropriate treatment of associated intra-articular lesions.