Summary
Arthroscopically assisted surgery for tibial plateau fractures gives better results and it provides the precise diagnosis with adequate treatment at one-stage surgery. Undoubtedly the superior clinical results also depend upon the experienced and skillful arthroscopic technique.
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of the patients with tibial plateau fractures treated by arthroscopic-assisted surgeries after 2- to 10-year follow-up.
Methods
Fifty-four patients with tibial plateau fractures treated by arthroscopically assisted surgeries were enrolled in the prospective study. According to Schatzker’s classification, the fractures types were: 1 type I (2%), 21 type II (39%), 4 type 3 (7%) and 10 type 4 (19%), 8 type 5 (15%), 10 type 6 (19%). Average age at operation was 48 years (range, 12-88 years). Mean follow up period was 87 months (range 28-128 months). The clinical and radiological outcomes were determined according to Rasmussen’s system.
Results
Mean postoperative Rasmussen score was 28.4 (range, 19-30). Overall 44 (81%) patients were rated as excellent, 8 (15%) as good, 1 (2%) as fair and 1 (2%) as poor. Secondary osteoarthritis appeared in none of injured knees but 10 (19%) traumatic osteoarthritis were reported. There were no complications directly associated with arthroscopy in any of the 54 patients. There was 89% excellent and good results radiologically (33% excellent and 56% good). All of the 54 fractures were united. Preoperative fracture depression average 13.7 mm (range, 3-80 mm). Fracture depression at the final follow average 2 mm (range, 0 -9 mm).
Conclusions
Arthroscopically assisted surgery for tibial plateau fractures gives better results and it provides the precise diagnosis with adequate treatment at one-stage surgery. Undoubtedly the superior clinical results also depend upon the experienced and skillful arthroscopic technique.
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Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
