Objective To compare the effectiveness and advantages of the double reverse traction reduction versus open reduction internal fixation for treating complex tibial plateau fractures. Methods A clinical data of 25 patients with Schatzker type Ⅴ or Ⅵ tibial plateau fractures, who met the selection criteria and were admitted between January 2019 and January 2023, was retrospectively analyzed. Thirteen patients underwent double reverse traction reduction and internal fixation (double reverse traction group), while 12 patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (traditional open group). There was no significant difference in the baseline data (age, gender, injury mechanism, Schatzker classification, interval between injury and operation) between the two groups (P>0.05). The effectiveness were evaluated and compared between the two groups, included operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, hospital stay, full weight-bearing time, complications, fracture healing, Rasmussen radiological score (reduction quality), knee Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, and knee flexion/extension range of motion. Results The double reverse traction group demonstrated significantly superior outcomes in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, incision length, and time to full weight-bearing (P<0.05). Two patients in traditional open group developed incisional complications, while the double reverse traction group had no complication. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complication between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 24-36 months (mean, 30 months), with no significant difference in follow-up duration between groups (P>0.05). Fractures healed in both groups with no significant difference in healing time (P>0.05). At 6 months after operation, Rasmussen radiological scores and grading showed no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05); the double reverse traction group had significantly higher HSS scores compared to the traditional open group (P<0.05). At 12 months after operation, knee flexion/extension range of motion were significantly greater in the double reverse traction group than in the traditional open group (P<0.05). ConclusionDouble reverse traction reduction offers advantages over traditional open reduction, including shorter operation time, reduced blood loss, minimized soft tissue trauma, and improved joint functional recovery. It is a safe and reliable method for complex tibial plateau fractures.
Objective To evaluate short-term effectiveness of staged management for complex tibial plateau fracture with severe soft tissue injury. Methods A clinical data of 12 patients with complex tibial plateau fractures and severe soft tissue injuries between July 2017 and March 2021 and met the selection criteria was retrospectively analyzed. There were 7 males and 5 females with an average age of 43.1 years (range, 33-58 years). All patients were traffic accident injuries and admitted to hospital within 24 hours after injury. The tibial plateau fractures were closed fractures. According to the Schatzker classification standard, the fractures were rated as type Ⅳ in 3 cases, type Ⅴ in 4 cases, and type Ⅵ in 5 cases. According to the Tscherne classification standard, the soft tissue injuries were rated as grade Ⅱ in 4 cases and grade Ⅲ in 8 cases. The treatment of all patients was divided into 3 stages. In the first stage, emergency trans-articular fracture fixation with external fixator was performed; in the second stage, the fracture reduction and internal fixation were performed and bone cement was implanted to fill the bone defect; in the third stage, the bone cement was removed and the bone graft was performed to repair defect. All patients performed joint function exercise after operation as early as possible. Results There was no neurological symptom after all staged managements, the incisions healed by first intention, and no complications such as incision infection or necrosis occurred. All patients were followed up 6-32 months (mean, 16.9 months). The fractures were all anatomical reduction confirmed by the X-ray films after operation. During follow-up, there was no obvious loss of reduction, loosening and rupture of internal fixator, or collapse of the articular surface. All fractures healed after 14-20 weeks (mean, 17.6 weeks). The posterior slope angle of the tibial plateau was (9.7±2.3)° and the varus angle was (3.9±1.9)° immediately after bone grafting, and were (8.5±2.9)° and (4.3±1.9)° respectively at 6 months after operation. There was no significant difference between the two time points (t=0.658, P=0.514; t=−1.167, P=0.103). At last follow-up, the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score was 85-96 (mean, 91.2), and the range of motion of knee was 110°-135° (mean, 120.9°). Conclusion The staged management for complex tibial plateau fracture with severe soft tissue injury can obtain good short-term effectiveness, but the long-term effectiveness needs to be further followed up.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of osteotomy of non-core weight-bearing area of the lateral tibial plateau, reduction, and internal fixation in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures involving posterolateral column collapse. Methods A clinical data of 23 patients with tibial plateau fractures involving posterolateral column collapse, who had undergone osteotomy of non-core weight-bearing area of the lateral tibial plateau, reduction, and internal fixation between January 2015 and June 2021, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 14 males and 9 females with an average age of 42.6 years ranging from 26 to 62 years. The causes of injury included traffic accident in 16 cases, falling from height in 5 cases, and other injuries in 2 cases. According to Schatzker classification, there were 15 cases of type Ⅴ and 8 cases of type Ⅵ. The time from injury to operation was 4-8 days with an average of 5.9 days. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, and complications were recorded. The depth of articular surface collapse of posterolateral column and posterior inclination angle (PSA) of the tibial plateau were compared before operation and at 2 days and 6 months after operation; fracture reduction of tibial plateau fracture was evaluated by Rasmussen anatomic score. The recovery of knee function was evaluated by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score at 2 days and 6 months after operation. Results All 23 patients were completed the operation successfully. The operation time was 120-195 minutes, with an average of 152.8 minutes; the intraoperative blood loss was 50-175 mL, with an average of 109.5 mL. All patients were followed up 12-24 months, with an average of 16.7 months. One patient had superficial wound infection after operation, and the incision healed after dressing change; primary healing of incision of other patients was obtained. The fracture healing time was 12-18 weeks, with an average of 13.7 weeks. No failure of internal fixation, varus and valgus deformity of the knee joint, and instability of the knee joint was found at last follow-up. One patient developed joint stiffness and the range of motion of the knee joint was 10°-100°; the range of motion of the knee joint of other patients was 0°-125°. At 2 days and 6 months after operation, the depth of articular surface collapse of posterolateral column, PSA, and Rasmussen anatomic scores significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two postoperative time points (P>0.05). The HSS score at 6 months after operation was significantly higher than that at 2 days after operation (P<0.05). Conclusion For tibial plateau fractures involving posterolateral column collapse, reduction and internal fixation through osteotomy of non-core weight-bearing area of the lateral tibial plateau has the advantages of fully expose the posterolateral column fragment, good articular surface reduction, sufficient bone grafting, and fewer postoperative complications. It is beneficial to restore knee joint function and can be widely used in clinic.
Objective To investigate the short-term effectiveness of proximal tibial lateral raft plate combined combined with or without Jail screw fixation in the treatment of tibial plateau collapse fractures involved posterior-lateral column. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 106 patients (106 knees) with tibial plateau collapse fracture involved posterior-lateral column admitted between January 2016 and January 2021. According to the combination with Jail screw fixation or not, patients were divided into control group (treated by lateral raft plate without Jail screw fixation, 52 cases) and study group (treated by lateral raft plate with Jail screw fixation, 54 cases). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, age, affected knee side, cause of injury, Schatzker classification, Tscherne-Gotzen classification, time from injury to operation, and preoperative lateral tibial plateau posterior slope angle (PSA), tibial plateau varus angle (TPVA), Rasmussen anatomical score (P>0.05). The operation time, cumulative fluoroscopy time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization stay, fracture healing time, complications, and lateral tibial plateau PSA, TPVA, Rasmussen anatomical score detected by X-ray films and CT before operation and at 1 year after operation of the two groups were recorded and compared. The number of cases of articular surface collapse in the two groups was recorded at 1 year after operation, and the effectiveness was evaluated by American Special Surgery Hospital (HSS) score. ResultsAll patients were followed up 12-32 months (mean, 19.5 months). There was no significant difference between the two groups in operation time, cumulative fluoroscopy time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization stay, and fracture healing time (P>0.05). There were 2 patients (3.7%) in the study group and 3 patients (5.8%) in the control group with superficial wound infection, which were cured after debridement and dressing change. There was no significant difference in the incidence between the two groups (χ2=0.252, P=0.616). There was no complication such as vascular and nerve injury, internal fixation failure, nonunion or malunion of fracture, and deep vein thrombosis of lower limbs in both groups. At 1 year after operation, 9 cases (17.3%) in the control group had joint collapse of 2-3 mm, while only 2 cases (3.7%) in the study group had joint collapse, showing significant difference (χ2=5.271, P=0.022). At 1 year after operation, the PSA, TPVA, and Rasmussen anatomical scores of the two groups were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05); the differences of pre- and post-operative PSA, TPVA, Rasmussen anatomical score, and postoperative HSS score in the study group were significantly better than those in the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionThe lateral raft plate combined with or without Jail screw fixation can achieve satisfactory short-term effectiveness in the treatment of tibial plateau collapse fractures involved posterior-lateral column. Combined with Jail screw, it can enhance the fixation and avoid the occurrence of secondary articular surface collapse, which can be used as a better choice.
ObjectiveTo explore effectiveness of intermediate screw assisted reduction and fixation technique in the treatment of Schatzker type Ⅴ and Ⅵ tibial plateau fractures. Methods A clinical data of 22 patients with Schatzker type Ⅴ and Ⅵ tibial plateau fractures, who were admitted between June 2022 and December 2023 and met the selection criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. During operation, the intermediate screw assisted reduction and fixation technique was used. There were 14 males and 8 females with an average age of 46.3 years (range, 17-65 years). The fractures were caused by traffic accident in 13 cases, by falls in 5 cases, and by falling from height in 4 cases. According to Schatzker classification criteria, 9 cases were type Ⅴ and 13 cases were type Ⅵ. The interval between injury and operation was 5-12 days (mean, 7.9 days). The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, and length of hospital stay were recorded. The range of motion of knee joint and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score were recorded at last follow-up. X-ray films were taken to review the fracture healing. Rasmussen score, tibial plateau varus angle (TPVA), and posterior tibial slope (PTS) were estimated before operation, at immediate after operation, and at last follow-up in order to evaluate the fracture reduction effect and postoperative outcome. Results The operation time was 85-140 minutes (mean, 103.9 minutes). Intraoperative fluoroscopy was performed 7-15 times (mean, 10.1 times). All incisions healed by first intention after operation, and no complication such as nerve or blood vessel injury occurred. The length of hospital stay ranged from 8 to 17 days (mean, 12.4 days). All patients were followed up 10-22 months (mean, 14.8 months). At last follow-up, the range of motion of knee joint was 110°-140° (mean, 125°). HSS score was rated as excellent in 16 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 95.5%. X-ray films reexamination showed that all fractures healed with the healing time of 12-17 weeks (mean, 14.8 weeks). No internal fixation failure occurred. Rasmussen score, TPVA, and PTS at immediate after operation and at last follow-up were significantly superior to those before operation (P<0.05). And there was no significant difference between immediately after operation and last follow-up (P>0.05). Conclusion The treatment of Schatzker type Ⅴ and Ⅵ tibial plateau fractures with intermediate screw assisted reduction and fixation technique is reliable, which can reduce the difficulty of reduction and fixation, improve the efficiency of reduction and fixation, reduce the operation time, achieve satisfactory reduction and fixation effect and postoperative prognosis, and achieve good recovery of knee joint function.
ObjectiveTo summarize the progress in the treatment of hyperextension tibial plateau fractures.MethodsRelated literature concerning hyperextension tibial plateau fractures was reviewed and analyzed in terms of injury mechanisms, clinical patterns, and treatment outcomes.ResultsHyperextension tibial plateau fractures is a specific type of hyperextension knee injuries, which is happened with the knee in over-extended position (<0°) and characterized by fracture and concomitant ligament injury. It can be classified into 4 patterns: marginal avulsion fractures, unicondylar anteromedial fractures, anterolateral fractures, and bicondylar fractures. The failure of structures occurs according to the diagonal injury mechanism characterized by anterior compression fractures and posterior tension ruptures. It is noted as a rule that a smaller anterior fragment is more likely to accompany by a posterior ligament rupture. Unicondylar anteromedial fracture pattern is caused by hyperextension varus mechanism and usually accompanied by posterolateral corner rupture. Bicondylar hyperextension injury is characterized by posterior metaphyseal cortical tension rupture, anterior articular depression, and reversed posterior slope.ConclusionCurrently there is no consensus on the treatment of hyperextension tibial plateau fractures. Further basic and clinical studies are needed.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of arthroscopy assisted percutaneous internal fixation and open reduction and internal fixation for Schatzker types II and III tibial plateau fractures. Methods Between August 2006 and April 2010, 58 patients with tibial plateau fractures of Schatzker types II and III were treated with arthroscopy assisted percutaneous internal fixation (arthroscopy group, n=38), and with open reduction and internal fixation (control group, n=20). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, fracture type, and compl ication between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The operation time, incision length, fracture heal ing time, and compl ications were compared between 2 groups. Knee function score and the range of motion were measured according to American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scorestandard. Results All patients achieved primary incision heal ing. The arthroscopy group had smaller incision length andlonger operation time than the control group, showing significant differences (P lt; 0.05). The patients of 2 groups were followed up 12 to 14 months. At 6 months, the HSS score and the range of motion of the arthroscopy group were significantly greater than those of the control group (P lt; 0.05). The X-ray films showed bony union in 2 groups. The fracture heal ing time of the arthroscopy group was shorter than that of the control group, but no significant difference was found (t=2.14, P=0.41). Morning stiffness occurred in 2 cases (5.3%) of the arthroscopy group, joint pain in 6 cases (30.0%) of the control group (3 cases had joint stiffness) at 1 week, which were cured after symptomatic treatment. There was significant difference in the incidence of compl ications between 2 groups (χ2=6.743, P=0.016). Conclusion The arthroscopy assisted percutaneous internal fixation is better than open reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures of Schatzker types II and III, because it has smaller incision length and shorter fracture heal ing time.
Objective To review the biomechanical research progress of internal fixation of tibial plateau fracture in recent years and provide a reference for the selection of internal fixation in clinic. Methods The literature related to the biomechanical research of internal fixation of tibial plateau fracture at home and abroad was extensively reviewed, and the biomechanical characteristics of the internal fixation mode and position as well as the biomechanical characteristics of different internal fixators, such as screws, plates, and intramedullary nails were summarized and analyzed. Results Tibial plateau fracture is one of the common types of knee fractures. The conventional surgical treatment for tibial plateau fracture is open or closed reduction and internal fixation, which requires anatomical reduction and strong fixation. Anatomical reduction can restore the normal shape of the knee joint; strong fixation provides good biomechanical stability, so that the patient can have early functional exercise, restore knee mobility as early as possible, and avoid knee stiffness. Different internal fixators have their own biomechanical strengths and characteristics. The screw fixation has the advantage of being minimally invasive, but the fixation strength is limited, and it is mostly applied to Schatzker typeⅠfracture. For Schatzker Ⅰ-Ⅳ fracture, unilateral plate fixation can be used; for Schatzker Ⅴand Ⅵ fracture, bilateral plates fixation can be used to provide stronger fixation strength and avoid the stress concentration. The intramedullary nails fixation has the advantages of less trauma and less influence on the blood flow of the fracture end, but the fixation strength of the medial and lateral plateau is limited; so it is more suitable for tibial plateau fracture that involves only the metaphysis. Choosing the most appropriate internal fixation according to the patient’s condition is still a major difficulty in the surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures. Conclusion Each internal fixator has good fixation effect on tibial plateau fracture within the applicable range, and it is an important research direction to improve and innovate the existing internal fixator from various aspects, such as manufacturing process, material, and morphology.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness and safty of posterior popliteal fossa S-shaped incision with double-window approach for the treatment of posterior column of tibial plateau fractures.MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 13 patients with complex tibial plateau fractures involving both posteromedial and posterolateral columns between May 2015 and July 2017. There were 9 males and 4 females, aged 33-64 years (mean, 46.5 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident in 5 cases, falling from height in 2 cases, falling from electric bicycle in 4 cases, and falling because of skiing in 2 cases. The preoperative range of motion of the affected knees was (35.1±9.2)°. The time from injury to surgery was 7-19 days (mean, 13.3 days). All patients underwent a posterior popliteal fossa S-shaped incision through the window of medial heads of gastrocnemius muscle (medial window) and the window between medial and lateral head of gastrocnemius muscle (popliteal fossa window) approaches. After a good visual control of fracture reduction, both posteromedial and posterolateral columns of tibial plateau fractures were fixed with buttress plate respectively. Bone union, limb alignment, articular surface, and range of motion were estimated after operation. The American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score was used to evaluate functional outcomes of knees.ResultsAfter operation, 1 patient had fat liquefaction and dehiscence of incision, which healed after expanding the wound; the other patients’ incisions healed by first intention, and no vascular or nerve injury occurred during operation. All the 13 patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 16 months). The X-ray films showed that all patients obtained good fracture unions, the fracture healing time was 14-22 weeks (mean, 18 weeks). At 12 months after operation, the articular surface was smooth without collapse, and the knee range of motion was (109.5±13.6)°, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative value (t=18.879, P=0.000). No complication of infection, re-displacement of fracture, or secondary varus/valgus deformity was observed during follow-up. The HSS score was 82-96 (mean, 89.6) at 12 months after operation, with the result of excellent in 10 cases and good in 3 cases.ConclusionThe posterior column fracture of tibial plateau involving both posteromedial and posterolateral columns treated by double-window approach through posterior popliteal fossa S-shaped incision is safe and effective, with satisfactory results and good recovery of knee joint function.
Objective To investigate the clinical effect of reconstructed bone xenograft plus buttress plate (T or L type) fixation in treating tibial plateau fracture. Methods From June 2001 to March 2003, 32 cases of tibial plateau fractures were treated by means of open reduction,reconstructed bone xenograft plus buttress plate (T or L type) fixation. There were 23 cases of bumper fracture, 5 cases of falling injury and 4 cases of crush injury by a weight; 20 males and 12 females, aged from 18 to 69 years with an average of 38 years. All patients had close fracture. Results All the patients were followed upfor 9 months to 23 months, tibial plateau fracture healed satisfactorily without sunken articular surface. According to Pasmussen criterion, the results were excellent in 16 knees, good in 12knees and moderate in 3 knees. The satisfactory rate was 87.5%. Conclusion Reconstructed bone xenograft plus buttress plate internal fixation has good effect in treating tibial plateau fractures because it can avoid the complication of transplantation of ilium.