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

J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1998 Nov;80(6):959-64. doi: 10.1302/0301-620x.80b6.8687.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthroscopy*
  • Endoscopy / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal*
  • Humans
  • Knee Injuries / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteotomy
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Radiography
  • Reoperation
  • Tibial Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Tibial Fractures / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology