Trans-articular Kirschner wire fixation in treating complex tibial plateau fractures complicated by multiple ligaments injuries: A case report and literature review

Injury. 2018 Feb;49(2):382-385. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2017.11.015. Epub 2017 Nov 16.

Abstract

There is no guideline and consensus about when and how to treat accompanying multi-ligaments injuries, especially anterior and/or posterior cruciate ligaments, in tibial plateau fractures. We report one case of fracture and dislocation of tibial plateau, treated by open reduction and internal plates fixation, augmented by trans-articular Kirschner wire fixation to overcome instability and malrotation of the knee joints discovered intraoperatively. The Kirschner wire was removed about four weeks after the index operation, and the patient begun functional exercise from then on. The fracture united uneventfully, the knee joint regained full range of motion without malalignment. The patient reported excellent knee function and satisfied with the operations. We suppose that trans-articular Kirschner wires fixation combined with open reduction internal plates fixation maybe is a treatment solution in treating complex tibial plateau fractures complicated by multiple ligamentous injuries.

Keywords: Dislocation; Kirschner wire; Knee; Knee joint immobilization; Ligament injuries; Subluxation; Tibial plateau fractures; Trans-articular.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Wires*
  • Collateral Ligaments / diagnostic imaging
  • Collateral Ligaments / injuries*
  • Collateral Ligaments / surgery
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal*
  • Humans
  • Knee Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Knee Injuries / physiopathology
  • Knee Injuries / surgery*
  • Knee Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Knee Joint / physiopathology
  • Knee Joint / surgery*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Tibial Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Tibial Fractures / physiopathology
  • Tibial Fractures / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome