Objective To investigate the effectiveness of the reverse traction device in the preoperative treatment of high-energy tibial plateau fractures. Methods A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 33 patients with high-energy tibial plateau fractures who met the selection criteria between December 2020 and December 2023. All patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. According to the preoperative traction method, they were divided into the observation group (16 cases, treated with a reverse traction device on the day of admission) and the control group (17 cases, treated with heel traction on the day of admission). There was no significant difference in baseline data such as gender, age, body mass index, affected side, cause of injury, fracture Schatzker classification between the two groups (P>0.05). Preoperative waiting time, preoperative related complications (nail channel loosening, nail channel oozing, nail channel infection, soft tissue necrosis, soft tissue infection, deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity, etc.), operation time, and total hospitalization time were recorded and compared between the two groups. On the 4th day after traction, visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the pain relief of the patients, the swelling value of the affected limb was measured, and the Immobilization Comfort Questionnaire (ICQ) score was used to evaluate the perioperative hospital comfort of the patients. Results Both groups of patients completed the operation successfully, and the operation time, total hospitalization time, and preoperative waiting time of the observation group were significantly less than those of the control group (P<0.05). There was no preoperative related complications in the observation group; in the control group, 3 patients had nail channel loosening and oozing, and 2 cases had the deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity; the difference in the incidence of complication between the two groups was significant (P<0.05). On the 4th day after traction, the ICQ score, VAS score, and limb swelling value of the observation group were significantly better than those of the control group (P<0.05). X-ray films showed that the tibial plateau fracture separation and lower limb alignment recovered after calcaneal traction in the control group, but not as obvious as in the observation group. The fracture gap in the observation group significantly reduced, the tibial plateau alignment was good, and the lateral angulation deformity was corrected. Conclusion The use of reverse traction treatment in patients with high-energy tibial plateau fractures on admission can accelerate the swelling around the soft tissues to subside, reduce patients’ pain, shorten the preoperative waiting time, improve the patients’ preoperative quality of life, and contribute to the shortening of the operation time, with a good effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of posteromedial and anterolateral approaches in the treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau collapsed and splited fractures. MethodsNineteen consecutive patients with posterolateral tibial plateau collapsed and splited fractures were treated between August 2010 and August 2013, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 13 males and 6 females, with an average age of 36.9 years (range, 25-75 years). All cases had closed fractures, involving 8 left sides and 11 right sides. Fractures involved posterior column according to the threecolumn classification based on CT scans; according to the Schatzker classification, all fractures were type Ⅱ; according to the AO/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation classification (AO/OTA), all fractures were type 41-B3.1.2. The interval between injury and operation was 7-14 days (mean, 9 days). The reduction of collapsed fractures and implantation of artificial bone allograft were supported by T-shaped distal radius plate via the posteromedial approach. The splited fractures was fixed by less invasive stabilization system (LISS) plate via the anterolateral approach. ResultsThe mean operation time was 69.0 minutes (range, 50-105 minutes). All incisions healed by first intention without neurovascular complications or wound infection. All patients were followed up 14-20 months (mean, 18.2 months). X-ray and CT examinations showed that collapsed tibial plateau and joint surface were completely corrected; bony union was obtained at 12 weeks on average (range, 10-16 weeks). No secondary collapsed fracture and knee varus or valgus occurred. The results were excellent in 12 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 89.5% according to the Rasmussen's scoring system for knee function. ConclusionThe posteromedial approach combined with anterolateral approach for posterolateral tibial plateau fractures can fully expose the posterolateral aspects of the tibial plateau, and thus collapsed and splited fractures can be treated at the same time, which will lead to less operative time and good outcomes in the treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau collapsed and splited fractures.
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.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of a new tibial plateau posterolateral column universal locking anatomical plate (hereinafter referred to as “new universal locking anatomical plate”) in the treatment of tibial plateau posterolateral column fractures. Methods Between October 2020 and December 2021, 14 patients with tibial plateau posterolateral column fracture were treated with a new universal locking anatomical plate. There were 7 males and 7 females with an average age of 59 years ranging from 29 to 75 years. There were 5 cases on the left side and 9 cases on the right side. The causes of injury included falling from height in 5 cases, traffic accident in 7 cases, and other injuries in 2 cases. The time from injury to operation ranged from 3 to 10 days, with an average of 6 days. According to Schatzker classification, there were 4 cases of type Ⅱ, 8 cases of type Ⅴ, and 2 cases of type Ⅵ. All fractures involved the posterolateral tibial plateau. Three column classification: two columns (anterolateral column+posterior column) in 4 cases, three columns in 10 cases. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing, and complications were recorded. The reduction of tibial plateau fracture was evaluated by Rasmussen radiographic score, and the recovery of knee function was evaluated by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score. Results All 14 cases completed the operation successfully. The operation time was 95-180 minutes, with an average of 154 minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was 100-480 mL, with an average of 260 mL. All patients were followed up 6-19 months, with an average of 12.5 months. All fractures healed, and the healing time was 15-24 weeks, with an average of 18.7 weeks. During the follow-up, there was 1 case of common peroneal nerve palsy and 1 case of traumatic osteoarthritis. There was no other complication such as vascular injury, incision infection, deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs, heterotopic ossification, bone nonunion, and failure of internal fixation. The reduction of tibial plateau fractures was good immediately after operation, and the Rasmussen radiological score was 10-18, with an average of 15.7; 3 cases were excellent, 10 cases were good, and 1 case was fair, with an excellent and good rate of 92.9%. The scores and grades of HSS at 3 months after operation and at last follow-up significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between 3 months after operation and last follow-up (P>0.05).Conclusion For the fractures involving the posterolateral column of the tibial plateau, the new universal locking anatomical plate can provide strong fixation, satisfactory postoperative fracture reduction, and good recovery of knee function.
ObjectiveTo introduce the surgery method to reset and fix tibial plateau fracture without opening joint capsule, and evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this method. MethodsBetween July 2011 and July 2013, 51 patients with tibial plateau fracture accorded with the inclusion criteria were included. All of 51 patients, 17 cases underwent open reduction and internal fixation without opening joint capsule in trial group, and 34 cases underwent traditional surgery method in control group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, time from injury to admission, side of injury, and types of fracture between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, incision heal ing, and fracture healing were compared between 2 groups. The tibial-femoral angle and collapse of joint surface were measured on X-ray film. At last follow-up, joint function was evaluated with Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee function scale. ResultsThe intraoperative blood loss in trial group was significantly less than that in control group (P<0.05). The incision length in trial group was significantly shorter than that in control group (P<0.05). Difference was not significant in operation time and the rate of incision heal ing between 2 groups (P>0.05). The patients were followed up 12-30 months (mean, 20.4 months) in trial group and 12-31 months (mean, 18.2 months) in control group. X-ray films indicated that all cases in 2 groups obtained fracture heal ing; there was no significant difference in the fracture healing time between 2 groups (t=1.382, P=0.173). On X-ray films, difference was not significant in tibial-femoral angle and collapse of joint surface between 2 groups (P>0.05). HSS score of the knee in trial group was significantly higher than that of control group (t=3.161, P=0.003). ConclusionIt can reduce the intraoperative blood loss and shorten the incision length to use open reduction and internal fixation without opening joint capsule for tibial plateau fracture. Traction of joint capsule is helpful in the reduction and good recovery of joint surface collapse. In addition, the surgery without opening joint capsule can avoid joint stiffness and obtain better joint function.
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 explore the treatment of low-energy tibial plateau fractures with arthroscopic percutaneous osteosynthesis. Methods From May 2004 to April 2008, 27 cases of tibial plateau fractures were treated with arthroscopic management. There were 19 males and 8 females, aged 18-61 years old (mean 41.5 years old). Fracture was caused by trafficaccident in 18 cases, by fall ing from height in 6 cases, by bruise in 2 cases, and by other in 1 case. There were 8 cases of type I, 12 cases of type II, 2 cases of type III and 5 cases of type IV according to Schatzker classification. The time from injury to operation was 3-15 days (mean 5.2 days). After symptomatic managements were performed arthroscopically in 11 cases of meniscus tear, 4 cases of medial collateral l igament rupture of knee joint, 3 cases of anterior cruciate l igament rupture of knee joint and 2 cases of cartilage fracture resulting in joint bodies, fracture was reduced and fixed with 2 or 4 cannulated screws (7 mm in diameter). Autograft of il ium was given 6 cases of bone defect. Early functional exercise was done. Results The operation time was 55-150 minutes (mean 93 minutes); the hospital ization days were 7-22 days (mean 16 days). All incision healed primarily. Edema of the affected leg occurred in all patients and subsided after 3 days of symptomatic management. In one patient who did not cooperate in functional exercise, adhesion occurred and normal function was recovered after by manual dissolution under conditions of anesthesia after 3 months of operation. All patients were followed up 6-36 months (mean 16.6 months). The range of motion of knee joint was 105-140° (mean 121°). According to Lysholm scale of knee joint, the score was 72-100 points (mean 93.6 points) 6 months after operation. The X-ray film showed no signs of osteoarthritis. Conclusion Arthroscopic percutaneous osteosynthesis yields satisfactory results and can be accepted as an alternative and effective method for the treatment of low-energy tibial plateau fractures.
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.
Objective To observe the effectiveness of posterior approaches for the treatment of posterior coronal fractures of tibial plateau, and to analyze the fracture morphology, radiographic features, and the recognition of Schatzker classification. Methods Between June 2003 and June 2009, 23 patients with posterior coronal fractures of tibial plateau were treated surgically by posterior approaches. There were 15 males and 8 females with an average age of 38 years (range, 32-56 years). All patients had closed fractures. Fracture was caused by traffic accident in 15 cases, by sports in 3 cases, and by falling from height in 5 cases. According to Moore classification, there were 10 cases of type I, 9 cases of type II, and 4 cases of type IV. The X-ray films, CT scanning, and three-dimensional reconstruction were performed. The time from injury to operation was 3-14 days (mean, 6 days). Results After operation, 17 cases had anatomical reduction and 6 had normal reduction. Incisions healed by first intention. All cases were followed up 12 to 36 months (mean, 24 months). The average fracture healing time was 7.6 months (range, 6-9 months). No related complication occurred, such as nerve and vessel injuries, failure in internal fixation, ankylosis, traumatic osteoarthritis, and malunion. According to Rasmussen’s criteria for the function of the knee, the results were excellent in 14 cases, good in 7 cases, and fair in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 91.3%. Conclusion Posterior coronal fracture of tibial plateau is rare, which has distinctive morphological features, and Schatzker classification can not contain it totally. The advantages of posterior approach include reduction of articular surface under visualization, firm fixation, less complications, and earlier functional exercise, so it is an ideal surgical treatment plan.
Objective To evaluate the surgical treatment and its results of complex tibial plateau fractures.Methods From May 2003 to November 2004, 24 cases of complex tibial plateau fractures were treated by two-incision approaches. There were 16 males(including 1 case of bilateral), and8 females, with mean age of 40.6 years(21-65 years), eleven fractures occurred in left extremity and 14 in the right. No patients suffered open fractures. Fracture was caused by fall from height in 10 cases, by traffic accident in 12 cases and by another causes in 2 cases. According to Schatzkerclassification, type Ⅴ fracture was found in 14 extremities，type Ⅵ in 11 extremities. All cases were operated with twoincision approaches and double-plates fixation. The operation was performed 6-15 days after injury with mean 10.4 days. Results All cases were followed up from 12 to 23 months (mean 15.6 months). Time of the bone healing was 69 months, with mean 7.4 months. No reduction of anatomy was achieved because of comminuted fractures of articular surfaces in 2 limbs. The line of the lower extremity did not recover because of metaphysis comminution in 1 limb, which led to knee varus. Epidermal necrolysis was observed in 3 limbs, and the wound healedafter change dressing. The function of the knee wasevaluated according to Rasmussen’s criteria, the results were excellent in 10limbs, good in 8 limbs, fair in 3 limbs, and poor in 4 limbs. Conclusion The twoincision approaches reduced the complication of softtissueinjury, which is conductive to reduction of articular surface. Double-plates provide a sufficient internal fixation. It can permit early motion of knee joint. Therefore, two-incision approach are an effective surgical approach of treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures.