Outcome of Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures

Background:

Schatzker type V and VI tibial fractures are complex injuries, usually treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using dual plates or ring fixators. ORIF has the advantage of not requiring pin tract care, but has a higher infection rate, especially in open fractures. We have combined the advantages of these two methods to treat these difficult fractures.

Materials and Methods:

Ten Schatzker type V and 11 Schatzker type VI fractures were treated between 2006 and 2010. ORIF with dual plates was performed, only if there was marked articular displacement (> 2 mm) in a closed fracture. All other fractures including open fractures and closed fractures with soft tissue compromise or minimal articular displacement were treated with ring fixators. The outcomes were analyzed and documented using the Honkonen and Jarvinen subjective, clinical, functional, and radiological criteria and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC).

Results:

Nine closed fractures with marked articular displacement (> 2 mm) were treated with dual plates. Eight closed fractures with minimal articular displacement (< 2 mm) and poor skin condition and four open fractures were treated with ring fixators. The mean follow-up period was 2 ½ years. The mean postoperative knee flexion was 128°. All patients could walk, jump, and climb steps. 90% could squat, though only 50% could duck walk properly. Radiologically, 85% had a plateau tilt of less than 5°, 92% had an articular step of less than 2 mm, and a residual articular widening of less than 5 mm. There were no major infections. Two patients had minor pin tract infections and two requested that their plates be removed subsequently.

Conclusion:

The protocol used to treat Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures has had excellent results and we suggest that all open fractures be treated with ring fixators and that ORIF should be done only for closed fractures with marked displacement.     

Modified hybrid fixator for high-energy Schatzker V and VI tibial plateau fractures

High-energy tibial plateau fractures associated with severe soft tissue injury are difficult to manage. The risk of wound complications following open reduction and internal fixation is notably high owing to extensive soft tissue dissection. Alternatively, application of hybrid external fixator minimizes soft tissue dissection and provides adequate fracture stabilization to allow early range of motion and correction of any mal-alignment. With this technique, soft tissue complications particularly surgical site infections are expected to be significantly reduced. This prospective study aims to determine the effectiveness of a modified hybrid external fixator in the management of high-energy tibial plateau fractures. Thirty-three patients with high-energy Schatzker V and VI tibial plateau fracture with severe soft tissue injury precluding formal open reduction were enrolled into the study. The fixator was a construct combining the Ilizarov ring with a monolateral external fixator. The results—bony union, range of motion, and associated complications of the treatment—were assessed. All fractures united within an average time of 14 weeks. Neither loss of reduction nor surgical site wound breakdown/osteomyelitis was noted. Eight patients developed superficial pin track infection and one septic arthritis of the knee joint. Hybrid external fixation is a safe option for complex high-energy tibial plateau fractures by simultaneously providing adequate fracture stabilization and protection of soft tissue healing to achieve bony union. The complication is mainly related to pin tract infection.     

双钢板治疗Schatzker Ⅴ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折

<正>2010年6月~2012年6月,我科采用双钢板固定手术治疗18例SchatzkerⅤ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折患者,疗效满意,报道如下。1材料与方法1.1病例资料本组18例,男13例,女5例,年龄19~68岁。按Schatzker标准分类:Ⅴ型13例,Ⅵ型5例。合并伤:副韧带和交叉韧带损伤2例,外侧半月板损伤4例,内侧半月板损伤2例。     

Functional outcomes of severe bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated with dual incisions and medial and lateral plates

BACKGROUND: Plate fixation of comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures remains controversial. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the perioperative results and functional outcomes of medial and lateral plate stabilization, through anterolateral and posteromedial surgical approaches, of comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: Over a seventy-seven-month period, eighty-three AO/OTA type-41-C3 bicondylar tibial plateau fractures were treated with medial and lateral plate fixation through two exposures. Injury radiographs were rank-ordered according to fracture severity. Immediate biplanar postoperative radiographs were evaluated to assess the quality of the reduction. The Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (MFA) questionnaire was used to evaluate functional outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-three male and eighteen female patients (average age, forty-six years) who completed the MFA questionnaire were included in the study group. The mean duration of follow-up was fifty-nine months. Two patients had a deep wound infection. Complete radiographic information was available for thirty-one patients. Seventeen (55%) of those patients had a satisfactory articular reduction (< or =2-mm step or gap), twenty-eight patients (90%) had satisfactory coronal plane alignment (medial proximal tibial angle of 87 degrees +/- 5 degrees ), twenty-one patients (68%) demonstrated satisfactory sagittal plane alignment (posterior proximal tibial angle of 9 degrees +/- 5 degrees ), and all thirty-one patients demonstrated satisfactory tibial plateau width (0 to 5 mm). Patient age and polytrauma were associated with a higher (worse) MFA score (p = 0.034 and p = 0.039, respectively). When these variables were accounted for, regression analysis demonstrated that a satisfactory articular reduction was significantly associated with a better MFA score (p = 0.029). Rank-order fracture severity was also predictive of MFA outcome (p < 0.001). No association was identified between rank-order severity and a satisfactory articular reduction (p = 0.21). The patients in this series demonstrated significant residual dysfunction (p < 0.0001), compared with normative data, with the leisure, employment, and movement MFA domains displaying the worst scores. CONCLUSIONS: Medial and lateral plate stabilization of comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures through medial and lateral surgical approaches is a useful treatment method; however, residual dysfunction is common. Accurate articular reduction was possible in about half of our patients and was associated with better outcomes within the confines of the injury severity.     

Functional outcome of tibial plateau fractures treated with the fine-wire fixator

OBJECTIVE: To review the functional outcome of patients with complex tibial plateau fractures treated with fine-wire fixation. DESIGN: Retrospective review with follow-up of patients in outpatient clinic. SETTING: Tertiary trauma center. PATIENTS: All patients who had fine-wire fixation for tibial plateau fractures between 1996 and January 2001 were reviewed. INTERVENTIONS: Fine-wire fixation with/without limited internal fixation for complex tibial plateau fractures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Knee range of motion, adequacy of articular surface reduction, mechanical axis, Knee Society Clinical Rating Scale and Short-Form 36 Health Questionnaire. RESULTS: Eighteen of twenty-one eligible patients were available for follow-up. There were 14 Shatzker VI and 4 V fractures. Seven fractures were open. Average follow-up was 28.2 months. All fractures united. There were three cases of delayed union, all progressed to union following additional procedures and bone grafting. There were no cases of osteomyelitis, septic arthritis or deep vein thrombosis. Seven patients had Knee Society Clinical Rating Scores of good/excellent (38.9%), and 11 had fair/poor scores (61.1%). Abnormal mechanical axes and multiple co-morbid injuries were associated with poorer outcomes. Although SF-36 scores were lower in the study group compared to matched population norms, 15 of 18 patients had full or partial return to pre-injury levels of functioning. CONCLUSION: Fine-wire fixation with limited internal fixation is a satisfactory method of managing complex high-energy fractures of the tibial plateau where soft tissue injury and bony comminution make traditional techniques of open reduction and internal fixation unsuitable.     

23例SchatzkerⅥ型胫骨平台骨折的手术疗效分析

背景：SchatzkerⅥ型胫骨平台骨折治疗困难,膝关节常遗留严重的并发症,治疗方法尚存争议,多建议双接骨板固定。目的：评价SchatzkerⅥ型胫骨平台骨折的手术疗效。方法：2007年10月至2012年6月手术治疗23例SchatzkerⅥ型胫骨平台骨折。除1例行急诊手术外,其余22例的手术距受伤时间为5～23d,平均7.0d;采用膝前正中切口10例,Y行切口5例,前外侧联合后内侧切口8例;胫骨平台内外侧置锁定接骨板和传统普通接骨板内固定治疗。结果：全部获得随访,随访时间为7～33个月,平均18.3个月。术后骨折愈合时间为6～11个月,平均8.3个月。2例因膝前皮肤坏死行转移皮瓣修复。根据HSS膝关节临床功能评分法评估疗效,优5例,良11例,可4例,差3例。结论：术前充分准备,术中注意保护皮肤软组织和合理内固定,术后科学功能锻炼,SchatzkerⅥ型胫骨平台骨折的手术疗效满意。     

双钢板治疗Schatzker Ⅴ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折

目的探讨双钢板治疗SchatzkerⅤ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折疗效。方法采用双钢板治疗15例SchatzkerⅤ、Ⅵ胫骨平台骨折患者,术后第1天即进行膝关节功能锻炼。结果患者经过6~38个月随访,术后伤口一期愈合,无骨折延迟、畸形愈合。X线片显示胫骨平台均未发生二期塌陷,膝关节屈曲120°~135°。膝关节功能采用Iowa膝关节评分标准评定:优10例,良4例,可1例。结论采用双钢板治疗SchatzkerⅤ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折,术中注意避免对胫前皮瓣和骨折端血供的过分破坏、固定可靠及术后及时正确功能锻炼是取得良好疗效的关键。     

Arthroscopically assisted treatment for Schatzker type Ⅰ-Ⅴ tibial plateau fractures

Objective： To report the clinical outcome of arthroscopically assisted treatment for tibial plateau fractures.
Methods： A total of 39 patients with tibial plateau fractures were treated by arthroscopic fixation from February 2002 to December 2005, including 11 patients with bony avulsion of the anterior cruciate ligament and 19 with meniscal injury. There were 4 cases of type Ⅰ fracture, 12 type Ⅱ, 9 type Ⅲ, 12 type Ⅳ and 2 type Ⅴ according to Schatzker criteria. Firstly, the combined injuries were treated. Then the plateau fractures with the displacement over 3 mm or more were reduced and fixed. Finally, the internal fixation was observed by X-ray equipment. Postoperative management was early motion and delayed weight bearing.
Results： All the fractures healed in 3 or 4 months. All patients were followed up for 1 to 5 years after operation.No case had severe complications, such as poor wound healing, infection, osteofascial compartment syndrome and osteoarthfitis. According to the Rasmussen scoring system, 36 cases obtained excellent or good results and the other 3 cases had moderate clinical results. The average score was 26 ± 3.
Conclusions： As an adjuvant treatment of intraarticular fractures such as tibial plateau fracture, arthroscopy has many advantages. It can treat associated intraarticular soft tissue components, visualize the chondral surface reduction, lavage the hematoma and smaller loose fragments, decrease soft tissue dissection, reduce the risk of scarring and promote rapid recovery.     

Functional outcomes of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated with dual buttress plates and risk factors: A case series

ObjectiveAlthough there are different ways to treat bicondylar tibial plateau fractures, treatment remains as a challenge to most orthopaedic surgeons. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of dual buttress plates fixation in treatment of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures and to determine risk factors for outcome.MethodsClinical data for 74 patients with bicondylar tibial plateau fracture were retrospectively reviewed. Dual buttress plates were placed through two incisions. All patients were evaluated both radiographically and clinically according to Rasmussen scores and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores during the follow-up period. The data were analyzed using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for functional outcome (Rasmussen functional score).ResultsRasmussen anatomic score was excellent in 34, good in 23, and fair in 17 patients. Sixty-nine patients were followed for a mean of 27 months. Functional results of excellent and good were obtained in 56(81.2%) patients by Rasmussen functional score and in 57 (82.6%) patients by HSS score. Univariate analysis showed Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) fracture type and reduction quality were significantly related to functional results. Multivariate analysis showed that AO fracture type and reduction quality were independent risk factors for outcome.ConclusionDual buttress plates technique provided a favourable quality of fracture reduction and satisfactory clinical function. Appropriate selection for operation chance, limited soft tissue stripping and filling of osseous defects may lessen or prevent serious complications. Fracture reduction quality and AO fracture type were independent risk factors for clinical function.     

Revisiting the Schatzker classification of tibial plateau fractures

Tibial plateau fractures have a broad spectrum of presentations, depending on the mechanism and energy of the trauma. Many classification systems are currently available to describe these injuries. In 1974, Schatzker proposed a classification based on a two-dimensional representation of the fracture. His classification with the six-principles types became one of the most utilized classification systems for tibial plateau fractures. More than four decades after this original publication, we are revisiting each fracture type in the light of information made available by computed tomography, which today comprises a standard tool in assessing articular fractures. The classification we are proposing relies on the fact that the tibial plateau has two anatomical columns, lateral and medial. We are introducing a virtual equator which splits the articular surface in the coronal plane. The equator divides each column into two quadrants, the anterior (A) and the posterior (P). Unicondylar fracture types (I to IV) have now additional modifiers A (anterior) and P (posterior) to describe the exact spatial location of the primary fracture plane. Bicondylar fracture types (V and VI) have the modifiers (A and P) of the main fracture plane for each column, and lateral (L) and medial (M) to denote the column. We are introducing the concept of the main fracture plane. Recognition of the exact location of the principal fracture plane is essential for preoperative planning of patient positioning, surgical approach and for determining where to apply the hardware to achieve stable fixation. The new three-dimensional classification is based on the template of the original Schatzker classification. It covers the mechanism of the injury, the energy of the trauma, the morphologic characteristics of the fracture and its location in three dimensions.     

A clinico-radiological study of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures managed with dual locking plates

BackgroundTreatment of bicondylar intra-articular tibial plateau fractures due to high energy trauma is complex and highly prone to complications due to fracture patterns and extensive soft tissue damage.AimThe study's objective was to evaluate the clinical, radiological and functional outcome, including the complications in closed Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures managed with dual locking plates using less extensile approaches and indirect reduction techniques.Materials and methodsThirty-four patients of closed Schatzker Type V and VI treated with pre-contoured locking plates were evaluated clinically and radiologically. Dual plating was done using a less extensile anterolateral approach for lateral plate and medial/open posteromedial approach for medial plate. Functional results were evaluated using the Knee Society Score (KSS) and radiological results by the Modified Rasmussen score (MRS) for radiological assessment.ResultsThe mean age of patients in our study was 45 years (range = 26–60 years) with a male predominance of 84.4%. The average time difference between trauma and surgery was 7.6 days (range = 5–14 days) with an average length of hospital stay of 8.5 days (range = 7–18 days). Autologous bone grafting from the iliac crest was done in 10 patients (29.4%) with a sizeable metaphyseal void. The study has a mean follow-up period of 22.6 months. The complete union was seen at an average of 17.4 weeks. The average knee ROM at the last follow-up was 110.75°. Three patients had complications, 2 with wound dehiscence and 1 with deep infection.ConclusionInternal fixation with dual locking plates is biomechanically strong and stable and gives excellent to good functional outcomes. However, the timing of internal fixation is essential in such complex injuries to prevent soft tissue complications and failure. The use of rigid fixation by less extensile approaches and indirect reduction techniques helps prevent wound healing problems and allows early knee mobilization.     

Schatzker Ⅳ型胫骨平台骨折的分型及治疗

目的　探讨SchatzkerⅣ型胫骨平台骨折的损伤特点、疗效差的原因和改进的方法。方法　根据SchatzkerⅣ型胫骨平台骨折的骨折特点 ,将 1993～ 2 0 0 2年间诊治的 5 1例患者分为劈裂型、整髁型和塌陷型。对劈裂型和整髁型骨折 ,无关节面塌陷者 ,采用内侧切口 ;CT检查示有关节面塌陷者 ,采用正中切口纠正塌陷并植骨 ;劈裂型支撑钢板在内后侧固定 ,整髁型支撑钢板在内侧固定 ,或双侧支撑钢板固定。对塌陷型骨折 ,采用内侧切口 ,行复位、植骨、支撑钢板内侧固定。 33例患者术后平均随访 4 1个月 ,对影响骨折预后的因素进行分析。结果　随诊的 33例患者膝关节活动度为30°～ 14 7°(平均 110°) ;Lysholm评分平均为 83 2分 ,优 8例、良 9例、中 14例、差 2例。平台非解剖复位、平台增宽 >4mm、平台向外侧移位 >8mm是预后较差的相关因素 (χ2 值分别为 5 10、6 0 8、8 0 2 ,P<0 0 5、<0 0 5、<0 0 1) ,也易导致骨性关节炎的发生。结论　应根据分型和CT检查结果选择手术入路和固定方法 ,膝内翻畸形、平台增宽 >4mm或向外侧移位 >8mm是影响预后的因素。     

双钢板治疗Schantzker Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折

目的探讨双钢板治疗SchantzkerⅥ型胫骨平台骨折的手术技巧及降低手术并发症的有效途径。方法对72例SchantzkerⅥ型胫骨平台骨折进行分阶段治疗：先行外固定支架固定或跟骨牵引,软组织肿胀消退后再采用内外侧双钢板内固定术。观察术后骨折愈合、膝关节功能恢复程度及术后并发症,分析手术疗效。结果 70例获得随访,时间13～25个月。骨折临床愈合时间为11～19周。术后1年膝关节功能参考HSS评分标准：优42例,良23例,优良率为92.9%。发生切口延迟愈合3例,切口邻近皮肤坏死1例,胫前肌群部分肌肉坏死1例,切口深部感染1例。结论双钢板固定治疗SchantzkerⅥ型胫骨平台骨折,掌握好手术时机,正确选择手术入路和钢板的放置方式及骨折（尤其是关节面）复位程度,可有效降低手术并发症,获得满意疗效。     

SchatzkerⅡ型胫骨平台骨折的影像学评估及解剖钢板治疗

目的:探讨SchatzkerⅡ型胫骨平台骨折术前充分影像学评估的重要性及解剖钢板治疗的临床疗效。方法:SchatzkerⅡ型胫骨平台骨折患者67例,男48例,女19例;年龄16～69岁,平均45.4岁。开放性骨折10例,闭合性骨折57例。术前均行膝关节正、侧位X线摄片检查、螺旋CT薄层扫描和三维重建、MRI检查,根据影像学资料对患膝骨、软骨及软组织损伤进行评估。采用解剖钢板或结合关节镜进行治疗。结果:X线片、CT、MRI在明确诊断方面没有明显差异,在分型诊断中,CT、MRI明显优于X线片;经MRI检查均存在不同程度的软骨损伤,常多种表现并存;CT、MRI检查发现伴随的软组织损伤分别为17例、59例;参考CT、MRI扫描后手术方式发生改变21例(31.3%)。术后随访9～31个月,平均18.2个月,骨折均获临床愈合;Rasmussen影像学及临床评分优良率分别为86.7%(58例)、94.0%(63例),Resnick-Niwayama分级评价呈现骨性关节炎的患者21例(31.3%)。未出现切口不愈合或感染,无膝内、外翻畸形,无钢板、螺钉断裂。结论:结合X线片、CT、MRI能获得对手术方案制定及手术效果预测的重要图像信息;解剖钢板或结合关节镜治疗SchatzkerⅡ型胫骨平台骨折安全可靠、损伤小且疗效满意。     

Morphological characteristics of Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fractures: a computer tomography based study

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological characteristics of Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fractures.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of radiographic and computed tomographic data of tibial plateau Schatzker type IV fractures from January 2010 to December 2011 was conducted in a level 1 trauma centre. The medial fracture angle (MFA), surface area percentage (SAP), and medial fracture height (MFH) were measured on CT images using the Picture Archiving and Communication System.

Results

Based on the location of fracture and the MFA, 75 cases of Schatzker type IV fracture were divided into three subtypes: anteromedial fracture (seven cases, 9.3 %), total medial plateau fracture (36 cases, 48 %), and posteromedial fracture (32 cases, 42.7 %). The anteromedial fracture was located on the anterior part of the medial plateau, the average MFA was positive 47.5°, the SAP was 38.3 % and the MFH was 41.6 mm. The total medial plateau fracture usually involved the entire medial plateau, the mean value of MFA was 81.2°, the SAP was 53.9 % and the MFH was 64.0 mm. The posteromedial fracture was located on the posterior part of the medial plateau, the MFA was negative 42.5°, the SAP was 32.4 % and the MFH was 44.8 mm.

Conclusion

The direction and location of Schatzker type IV fractures are highly variable. Proper operative approach and fixation method should be selected based on the morphological characteristics of individual medial plateau fractures.     

双钢板治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折

2007年7月-2010年5月,我院采用双钢板内固定结合植骨治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折,效果良好。 1材料与方法1.1病例资料本组42例,男29例,女13例,年龄18-67岁。骨折按Schatzker分型：Ⅴ型22例,Ⅵ型20例。均为闭合性骨折。合并伤：半月板损伤8例,前交叉韧带损伤2例,膝内侧副韧带损伤5例,外侧副韧带损伤2例,腘动脉断裂1例,合并其他部位骨折19例。     

Timing of internal fixation and effect on Schatzker IV-VI tibial plateau fractures

Objective: To study the effect of internal fixation performed at different times on therapeutic outcomes of Schatzker IV-VI tibial plateau fractures.Methods: The clinical data of 42 cases of Schatzker IV-VI tibial plateau fractures treated in our department were analyzed retrospectively. Among these 42 patients, 21 received surgical treatment within 12 h after injury (Group I), the other 21 were first treated by traction or plaster fixation followed by a delayed internal fixation after soft tissue swelling subsided (Group II). The surgical time, complications, length of hospital stay, cost of hospitalization, and time for fracture union, as well as functional recovery were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Results: After 10-28 months follow-up (mean 16.5 months), except 5 cases who lost to follow-up, no differences were found between the two groups regarding surgical time, preoperative and postoperative complications, healing time or the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score at the end of follow-up, but significant differences were found in the length of hospital stay, cost of hospitalization and HSS score at 3 months after operation (P less than 0.05). Conclusion: Under certain conditions, early internal fixation for Schatzker IV-VI tibial plateau fracture is feasible, which can shorten the length of hospital stay, decrease the cost of hospitalization and promote early functional rehabilitation.     

An unclassified tibial plateau fracture: Reverse Schatzker type IV

The most commonly accepted system of classification for tibia plateau fractures is that of Schatzker. Increasingly, both high energy injuries and atypical osteoporotic fragility failures have led to more complex, unusual and previously undescribed fracture patterns being recognized. We present a case of a patient with a previously unreported pattern of tibia plateau fracture and knee dislocation. We highlight the challenges confronted and present the management and the outcomes of his injury. A 28-year old male motorcyclist was involved in a head on collision with a truck and was transferred by helicopter to our level 1 major trauma centre emergency department. His injuries were a circumferential degloving injury to his left leg and a right lateral tibial plateau fracture/knee dislocation. The pattern of the lateral tibial plateau fracture was unique and did not fit any recognised classification system. The patient received a spanning external fixator initially and after latency of 12 days for soft tissue resuscitation he underwent definite fixation through an antero-lateral approach to the proximal tibia with two cannulated 6.5 mm partially threaded screws and an additional lateral proximal tibia plate in buttress mode. A hinged knee brace was applied with unrestricted range of motion post-operatively and free weight bearing were permitted post operatively. At the 6 months follow up, the patient walks without aids and with no limp. Examination revealed a stable joint and full range of motion. Plain radiographs revealed that the fracture healed with good alignment and the fixation remained stable. High energy injuries can lead to more complicated fracture patterns, which challenge the orthopaedic surgeons in their management. It is crucial to understand the individual fracture pattern and the possible challenges that may occur. This study reports a lateral tibia plateau fracture/dislocation which perhaps is best described as a reverse Schatzker IV type fracture.     

The long-term functional outcome of operatively treated tibial plateau fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To review the long-term functional results of the surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures using standard techniques of open reduction and internal fixation. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University hospital. METHODS: Forty-seven displaced fractures of the tibial plateau in forty-six patients were treated with open reduction, interfragmental screw fixation of the articular fragments, and buttress plate fixation and had a minimum of five years of follow-up. All aspects of their care, including tibial plateau fracture type, operative management and associated injuries, were documented. Preoperative and postoperative follow-up radiographs were analyzed for fracture classification and adequacy of reduction. All patients were contacted and given functional outcome questionnaires using both a generic health status scale (Short Form 36 [SF-36]) (18) and a disability scale relating to knee osteoarthritis (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index [WOMAC]) (1). Data were also collected regarding return to work and sporting activities. Assessment scores were analyzed with respect to age, fracture type and severity, and were compared to standardized age and sex-matched scores for the healthy population. The average age of the patients at the time of injury was forty years and the average follow-up period was 8.3 years. Of the forty-seven fractures studied, twenty-five were classified as Schatzker types I, II, or III, and the remaining twenty-two were types IV, V, or VI (15). All fractures received operative treatment within forty-eight hours and all but five fractures were acceptably reduced. RESULTS: Compared to the standardized SF-36 categorical and aggregate scores, there was no statistically significant difference between the healthy age-matched population and twenty-four of twenty-six of the under-age-forty group regardless of fracture type. With regard to the over-age-forty group, scores statistically similar to the control population were found in only twelve of twenty-one patients. Although there was a large variance in WOMAC scores for all groups resulting in no statistically significant difference being found, a trend toward higher categorical and aggregate scores was seen with increasing age at presentation. There was no correlation between WOMAC scores and fracture type. Multiple-classifications analysis of all data revealed that presentation age was the most significant source of variation with respect to functional outcome. Fracture type had much less influence and adequacy of reduction had no significant influence on outcome, although the group of patients having an inadequate reduction by the authors' criteria was too small in number to reasonably comment upon. CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction and internal fixation is a satisfactory technique for the treatment of displaced fractures of the tibial plateau, particularly for patients younger than forty years.     

双钢板结合经皮微创置入技术治疗Schatzker Ⅴ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折

目的研究双钢板结合经皮微创置入技术治疗SchatzkerⅤ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折的内固定方法,并评估其疗效。方法2003年2月～2005年1月收治23例严重胫骨平台骨折患者,根据Schatzker分型:Ⅴ型14例,Ⅵ型9例,均采用小切口,术中先利用跨关节外固定支架牵引和点状复位钳间接复位技术恢复膝关节的力学轴线,待恢复关节面平整后植骨,采用双钢板结合经皮微创置入技术进行可靠的内固定,所有患者术后第1天即进行膝关节功能锻炼。结果所有患者术后获6～32个月(平均16.2个月)随访,无骨折延迟愈合、畸形愈合。临床骨愈合时间平均为12.6周,X线片检查胫骨平台均未发生二期塌陷,无膝关节机械轴对线不良,膝关节屈曲125°～135°(平均128.5°)。膝关节功能采用Iowa膝关节评分标准评定:优13例,良8例,可2例,优良率为91.3%。结论对于由高能量损伤导致的软组织损伤严重的SchatzkerⅤ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折患者,采用双钢板结合经皮微创置入技术进行内固定,既能避免对胫前皮瓣和骨折端血供的过分破坏,又能避免术后胫骨平台发生二期塌陷和膝关节机械轴对线不良,是恢复患肢功能的有效治疗方法。