Radiological and Functional Outcomes of Hybrid External Fixator Treated Schatzker Type V-Vi Tibial Plateau Fractures

Abstract

Background: Complex proximal tibial fractures caused by high energy trauma classified as Schatzker type V and VI pose a management challenge due to associated extensive soft tissue damage.Though open reduction and dual plating is considered a gold standard treatment option in these fractures but associated with wound breakdown and infection. Aim: To evaluate the radiological and functional outcomes of percutaneous hybrid fixator as alternative treatment option in these fractures. Methodology: This study designed as prospective case series was conducted in Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore between May 2019 to May 2021.Twenty four patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were operated using a hybrid external fixator in schatzkerV and VI tibial plateu fractures with compromised soft tissue.On follow upradiological and functional outcomes were being evaluated. Results: At Six months follow up after surgery Rasmussen knee score was graded as excellent in 13, good in 8, fair in 3 and poor in 0 patients.In radiological outcome mean time to bony union was 13.5 weeks.One case of varus malunion and no case case of non union was observed in our study. Conclusion: Hybrid external fixator is a well found fixation alternative as compared to conventional open reduction and internal fixation in Complex tibial plateau fractures with extensive soft tissue disruption achieving satisfactory radiological and functional outcomes. Keywords: Schatzker, Tibial plateau, Hybrid fixator.