Combination of Fine Wire Fixation and Limited Internal Fixation for High-Energy Tibial Plateau Fractures: Functional Results at Minimum 5-Year Follow-up

Abstract

High-energy tibial plateau fractures treated with minimal internal fixation augmented by small wire external fixation frames yielded a high percentage of cases exhibiting radiographic post-traumatic arthritis. However, because all the objectives of fracture treatment seemed to be obtained, the functional results remain satisfactory over time.

Revisiting the Safe Fixation in High Grade Schatzker With Soft Tissue Injury

“…[23][24][25][26] Varus/valgus alignment scoring rather than the degree of articular congruency at Rasmussen radiological scoring system probably resulted a positive correlation with the functional scores at the present study. Articular in congruency and later osteoarthritis development might affect the functional results at longer term follow-up supporting this is, Katsenis et al 27 reported deterioration of the radiological scores 5 years postoperatively compared to 3 years postoperatively while no effect at functional results could be demonstrated.…”

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for Tibial Plateau Fractures

“…Long-term follow-up is therefore necessary. 32 One limitation of our study was a mean follow-up period of 12 months.…”

Tibial Plateau Fractures

“…The authors noted poor functional results at 3 years and radiographic arthritic changes at 4 years in patients with radiographic articular step-off greater than 4 mm. There were no excellent or good results in the four patients with varus malalignment greater than 10° [ 18 ] .…”

“…Preservation of the lateral meniscus is also associated with a lower arthrosis rate and improved long-term outcomes [ 9 ] . The importance of the accuracy of the articular reduction [ 21 ] compared to a well-aligned knee [ 33 ] remains controversial, and both components [ 18 ] likely have a role in patient outcomes.…”

“…A recent retrospective study reported 3-year and 5-year follow-up data on 127 patients (129 fractures) with high-energy intraarticular bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated with circular external fi xators and minimal internal fi xation [ 18 ] . At 3 years, patient-reported outcomes, according to the Honkonen and Jarvinen criteria [ 19 ] , of 106 fractures were good to excellent, and at 5 years, these results did not deteriorate among 101 patients.…”