Malreduction of tibial articular width in bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated with circular external fixation is associated with post-traumatic osteoarthritis

Shankar Thiagarajah; Graeme E Hancock; Edward J Mills; Jonathan C McGregor-Riley; Simon L Royston; Michael G Dennison

doi:10.1016/j.jor.2018.12.016

Malreduction of tibial articular width in bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated with circular external fixation is associated with post-traumatic osteoarthritis

J Orthop. 2019 Jan 4;16(1):91-96. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2018.12.016. eCollection 2019 Jan-Feb.

Authors

Shankar Thiagarajah¹, Graeme E Hancock², Edward J Mills³, Jonathan C McGregor-Riley³, Simon L Royston³, Michael G Dennison³

Affiliations

¹ University College Hospital London, London, United Kingdom.
² Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, United Kingdom.
³ Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to report outcomes of Bicondylar Tibial Plateau (BTP) fractures treated using Ilizarov fixation, and identify risk factors for developing post-traumatic radiographic osteoarthritis (ROA).

Methods: Retrospective study of 80 BTP fractures managed with Ilizarov fixation.

Results: All fractures united, with only 3 cases of deep infection. ROA was evident in 12.5% at average 13 months post-injury. Increased tibial articular-widening associated with risk of developing ROA (p = 0.02).

Conclusion: Ilizarov fixation is safe and reliable in the management of BTP fractures. Restoration of tibial articular-width at fixation associated with reduced risk of developing radiographic OA.

Keywords: Bicondylar; Fracture; Ilizarov; Osteoarthritis; Plateau; Tibial.