Surgical Management of Tibial Plateau Fractures With 3.5 mm Simple Plates

Abstract

BackgroundTibial plateau fractures can be successfully fixed utilizing 3.5 mm locking plates. However, there are some disadvantages to using these plates.ObjectivesIn the current prospective study, we investigated the outcome of treating different types of tibial plateau fractures with 3.5 mm simple plates which, to our knowledge, has not been evaluated in previous studies.Materials and MethodsBetween 2011 and 2013, 32 patients aged 40 ± 0.2 years underwent open reduction and internal fixation for tibial plateau fractures with 3.5 mm simple plates. The patients were followed for 16.14 ± 2.1 months. At each patient’s final visit, the articular surface depression, medial proximal tibial angle, and slope angle were measured and compared with measurements taken early after the operation. The functional outcomes were measured with the WOMAC and Lysholm knee scores.ResultsThe mean union time was 13 ± 1.2 weeks. The mean knee range of motion was 116.8° ± 3.3°. The mean WOMAC and Lysholm scores were 83.5 ± 1.8 and 76.8 ± 1.6, respectively. On the early postoperative and final X-rays, 87.5% and 84% of patients, respectively, had acceptable reduction. Medial proximal tibial and slope angles did not change significantly by the last visit. No patient was found to have complications related to the type of plate.ConclusionsIn this case series study, the fixation of different types of tibial plateau fractures with 3.5 mm simple non-locking and non-precontoured plates was associated with acceptable clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes. Based on the advantages and costs of these plates, the authors recommend using 3.5 mm simple plates for different types of tibial plateau fractures.

Prevalence of Deep Surgical Site Infection After Repair of Periarticular Knee Fractures

“…Of these, 71 studies 2,10,53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69,70,71,72,73,74,75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,88,89,90,91,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,99,100,101,102,103,104,105,106,107,108,109,110,111,112,113,114,115,116,117,118,119,120,121 (60.7%) evaluated tibial plateau fractures, 16 studies 14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,…”

“…Following the removal of duplicate studies, a total of 4472 studies were available for title and abstract screening (Figure 1). With our inclusion criteria applied and relevant reference lists screened, 117 studies with 11 432 patient outcomes (mean [SD] age, 46.6 [6.9] years, range: 28-67 years) were included for this review.…”

“…For each primary study, we extracted data regarding design, size, patient demographic characteristics, and outcomes of interest. Of these, 71 studies (60.7%) evaluated tibial plateau fractures, 16 studies (13.7%) evaluated distal femur fractures, 13 studies (11.1%) evaluated proximal tibia fractures, 10 studies (8.5%) evaluated patellar fractures, and 7 studies (6.0%) evaluated fractures of multiple sites. Additionally, 81 studies (68.4%) were retrospective, 32 studies were prospective cohort studies, and 4 studies were prospective randomized controlled trials.…”

“…Of these, 71 studies (60.7%) evaluated tibial plateau fractures, 16 studies (13.7%) evaluated distal femur fractures, 13 studies (11.1%) evaluated proximal tibia fractures, 10 studies (8.5%) evaluated patellar fractures, and 7 studies (6.0%) evaluated fractures of multiple sites. Additionally, 81 studies (68.4%) were retrospective, 32 studies were prospective cohort studies, and 4 studies were prospective randomized controlled trials. Further details of study characteristics can be found in the eTable in the Supplement.…”

Function and Knee Range of Motion Plateau Six Months following Lateral Tibial Plateau Fractures

“…functional, radiographic, and clinical outcomes. 6,7 To make an informed decision, both surgeon and patient should understand expected functional outcomes, range of motion (ROM), pain levels, and complication rates associated with this injury pattern. It is also important to have an understanding of the expected timeline for recovery for each patient following injury.…”