重组合异种骨加钢板内固定治疗胫骨平台骨折

目的探讨重组合异种骨植骨加钢板内固定治疗胫骨平台骨折的临床疗效. 方法 2001年6月～2003年3月,采用切开复位、重组合异种骨植骨加支持钢板(T型或L型)内固定,治疗胫骨平台骨折32例.男20例,女12例,年龄18～69岁,平均38岁.交通伤23例,坠落伤5例,砸伤4例,均为新鲜闭合性骨折.受伤至手术时间2～7天.术中植骨量2～6 g. 结果全部患者经9～23个月随访,胫骨平台骨折愈合良好,未见关节面下陷,重组合异种骨未见移动、吸收.按Pasmussen评分标准,优16例,良12例,可3例,差1例,优良率达87.5%. 结论重组合异种骨植骨加支持钢板内固定治疗胫骨平台骨折效果良好,避免了取髂骨植骨及其并发症的发生.     

钢板内固定治疗跟骨关节内移位骨折

目的探讨应用跟骨解剖钢板内固定治疗跟骨关节内移位骨折的疗效。方法对98例跟骨关节内移位骨折患者(102足)采用切开复位跟骨解剖钢板内固定,粉碎严重伴骨缺损及跟距关节面塌陷者,取自体髂骨植骨,恢复后关节面复位,跟骨外侧放置解剖钢板固定。结果患者均获随访,时间8～29个月,骨折均愈合。有2例拔出橡皮片引流后皮下渗液,经换药3周后愈合;1例伤口皮缘浅层坏死,换药4周后愈合。Bhler角和Gissane角术前分别为-5°～25°和151°～182°,术后分别为25°～41°和97°～138°。根据Mary-land et al评分系统评定:优56足,良34足,可12足,优良率为88.24%。结论采用切开复位跟骨解剖钢板内固定必要时植骨治疗跟骨关节内移位骨折,疗效满意。     

The results of surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures]

Between 1995-2003 84 patients were treated because of the tibial plateau fracture in the Department of Orthopaedics of Gdansk Medical University. 47 patients were evaluated at the follow-up. In the pure cleavage fractures after joint opening an open reduction and internal fixation via screws or buttress plate was performed. In the cleavage fractures combined with depression the treatment consisted of: open reduction, elevation of the depressed plateau "en mass", bone grafting of the metaphysis, fixation of the fracture with cancellous screws and buttress plating. Rasmussen modified scale was used to assess the outcome. Resnick and Niwoyama criteria were used in calculating the degree of the degenerative changes. The clinical results were very good in 5 patients, good in 26, fair in 9 and poor in 5 patients. In the radiological assessment a very good result were observed in 8 patients, good in 28, fair in 7 and poor in 4 patients. An anatomical reduction of the articular surface together with stable internal fixation of the fracture site decreases the risk of the degenerative changes and helps to achieve a good final result.     

关节镜辅助下胫骨平台重度粉碎性骨折的固定与重建

目的 探讨胫骨平台重度粉碎性骨折的临床特点及关节镜辅助下进行复位固定的疗效.方法 2007年6月至2010年5月共收治12例胫骨平台重度粉碎性骨折患者,男10例,女2例;年龄19 ～53岁,平均33.8岁.骨折按Schatzker分型:V型4例,Ⅵ型8例.受伤至手术时间为2～15d(平均4.3d).术中先在关节镜下探查膝关节腔内韧带及半月板损伤情况;然后复位胫骨平台干骺端骨折,并在关节镜直视下行胫骨平台关节面塌陷性骨折的顶起复位与充填植骨;最后根据胫骨干骺端骨折部位及复位情况采用侧方钢板固定.结果 12例患者术后获12 ～42个月(平均26个月)随访.12例患者骨折复位情况按Rasmussen胫骨平台骨折影像学评分系统评定:评分为10～17分,平均15.6分;其中优10例,良2例.12例患者骨折均获骨性愈合,骨折愈合时间为3.0～4.5个月(平均3.5个月).术后6个月膝关节功能采用Rasmussen评分系统评定:评分为18 ～28分,平均25.8分;其中优3例,良8例,可1例.随访期间无内固定失效、膝内、外翻畸形及深部感染等并发症发生.结论 关节镜辅助下治疗胫骨平台重度粉碎性骨折具有手术创伤小、恢复快及并发症少等优点.关节镜直视下胫骨平台塌陷关节面的复位与重建是一种安全、可行的微创治疗手段.     

Factors influencing the results of open reduction and internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures

Forty-three displaced tibial plateau fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. The fractures were classified into four groups, and the clinical results were evaluated using a standard 100-point knee rating system. The average follow-up period after surgery was 2.7 years. Overall there were 35 excellent, five good, three fair, and no poor results. In five of eight knees with a less than excellent score, the results were due to the technique of fracture fixation or the absence of a bone graft. There were ten postoperative complications, but only one ultimately affected the clinical result. Fourteen patients required removal of implants. Roentgenographic analysis showed that six knees had mild degenerative changes, two had moderate, and two had severe degenerative changes. There was no statistically significant association between the fracture type and a less than excellent result. The absence of bone grafting, however, was associated with a less than excellent result. Bicondylar fractures had a mean range of motion of 110 degrees, 18 degrees less than that of all other types of fracture combined.     

Percutaneous screw fixation of tibial plateau fractures.

A series of 13 patients with displaced fractures of the tibial plateau treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning have been reviewed 17 months after surgery. All the operations were performed using image intensification to aid reduction of the fracture by ligamentotaxis and to guide screw placement. In two cases, arthroscopy was used in addition to facilitate elevation of the articular surface using a probe inserted through a cortical window in the proximal tibial metaphysis. The postoperative rehabilitation programme consisted of early mobilization and non-weight bearing for at least 2 months. Of the patients, 11 had a satisfactory result, one patient had a fair result with persistent pain and the other had a poor result when the fixation failed in a comminuted bicondylar fracture in porotic bone. This technique is minimally invasive and avoids many of the complications of both conservative and operative treatment and will have an expanding role to play in the management of these fractures.     

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.     

Surgical treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures by closed reduction and external fixation. A review of 32 consecutive cases operated

Abstract Complex tibial plateau fractures are a challenge in trauma surgery. In these fractures it is necessary to anatomically reduce the articular part of the fracture and to obtain stable fixation. The aim of this study is to review the results of a surgical technique consisting of fluoroscopic closed reduction and combined percutaneous internal and external fixation. Thirty-two complex tibial plateau fractures in 32 patients were included. Twenty-one fractures were closed, 4 were open Gustilo grade I, 3 were Gustilo grade II and 4 were Gustilo grade III. The mean age was 37.8 years (range 21–64 years). Surgery was performed with patients in transcalcaneal traction and the knee flexed at 30° was used. Through a 1-cm incision centred over the tibial metaphysis of the tibia, a 3.2-mm hole was drilled in the antero-medial tibial aspect. The tibial plateau fracture fragments were elevated using either 1 or 2 curved Kirschner wires under fluoroscopy to control the reduction. Then the fragments were fixed with 2 cannulated AO screws inserted through small incisions into the medial aspect of the tibial plateau. Knee rehabilitation started postoperatively. Weight bearing started after 8–12 weeks depending upon the radiographic appearance. All external fixators were removed in outpatient facilities. All patients were clinically and radiographically evaluated at a mean follow-up of 48 months (range 38–57 months). Clinical results were evaluated according to the Knee Society clinical score. Average healing time was 24 weeks (range 18–29 weeks). In 1 patient a non-union occurred. This patient was treated with open reduction and plate fixation. In 2 patients a varus knee deformity occurred and a surgical correction was performed. There were no surgical complications. Mean knee range of motion was 105° (range 75–125°) and mean Knee Society clinical score was 89. Twenty-five results were scored as excellent, 4 good, 2 fair and 1 poor. Using this technique there is limited soft tissue damage and virtually no periosteum damage to the fracture fragments. However anatomical reconstruction of the joint can be obtained. Furthermore knee rehabilitation can be started immediately after surgery. We think that these factors were responsible for the optimal clinical long-term results.     

双切口入路治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折的疗效

目的：评价双切口入路治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折手术治疗方法及疗效。方法：2008年5月至2009年11月,手术治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折22例,其中男15例,女7例。年龄19～67岁,平均41．6岁。左侧10肢,右侧13肢,1例为双侧,均为闭合性骨折。致伤原因：高处坠落伤9例,交通伤11例,其他2例。按照Schatzker分型标准：Ⅴ型13肢,Ⅵ型10肢。受伤至手术时间5-14d,平均9．4d,均采用双切口入路,双钢板固定手术治疗。结果：所有患者均获随访12～22个月,平均14．6个月。术后骨折愈合时间6～9个月,平均7．4个月。其中1肢因关节面粉碎严重未达到解剖复位;1肢因干骺端粉碎严重未恢复下肢正常力线,出现膝内翻;2肢出现伤口表皮坏死,无骨外露,经换药处理后愈合。膝关节功能按Rasmussen评分标准评定：优10肢,良8肢,可2肢,差3肢。结论：双切口入路降低了软组织的并发症,有利于关节面复位：双钢板固定可靠,可早期行功能锻炼,是一种较好的治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折的手术入路和方法。     

前内侧钢板支撑固定治疗胫骨平台后外侧塌陷骨折的临床研究

目的研究前内侧钢板支撑固定胫骨平台后外侧塌陷骨折的手术效果。方法自2011-01—2013-03收治胫骨平台骨折存在外髁劈裂及后外侧塌陷者17例,均采用前内侧钢板支撑后外侧塌陷骨块并联合外侧钢板固定外侧平台劈裂骨折,植骨填补骨缺损,观察骨折固定情况、愈合情况和术后并发症。结果本组手术时间平均2．5h。17例均获得平均8（6～12）个月随访,骨折均解剖复位,下肢长度对线及旋转矫正满意,骨折愈合时间平均3（2—4）个月,无感染、关节僵硬等并发症发生。末次随访时膝关节功能按Rasmussen评分标准评定：优13例,良2例,可1例,差1例。结论前内侧钢板支撑胫骨平台后外侧塌陷骨折块可达到关节面的解剖复位,获得坚强固定,加快恢复膝关节的功能。     

膝关节镜下手术治疗胫骨平台骨折

目的 探讨关节镜技术在胫骨平台骨折治疗中的应用及效果。方法 2001年1月至2005年2月,共对31例SchatzkerⅠ～Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折患者在关节镜辅助下复位、于关节面下开窗植骨,并采用中空钉或支持钢板固定。随访12～24个月。结果 解剖复位率为90．3％（关节面塌陷小于2mm）。采用LKSS评分标准,优良率达87．1％。无感染、深静脉栓塞及小腿肌筋膜室综合征等并发症发生。结论 关节镜下治疗胫骨平台骨折,具有创伤小、复位直观、固定可靠等优点,不仅适用于SchatzkerⅠ～Ⅲ骨折,对于Ⅳ～Ⅵ骨折也可取得良好疗效。     

内固定治疗胫骨平台骨折的临床分析

目的 探讨胫骨平台骨折内固定治疗的临床效果.方法 胫骨平台骨折11例(Schatzker分型:Ⅲ型1例,V型3例,Ⅵ型7例),均采用切开复位内固定治疗,骨缺损者同时予以植骨.结果 11例患者术后随访6个月至4年(平均1.7年).按Hohl评分标准,优3例、良5例、可2例、差1例,优良率达72.73％.术后并发创伤性关节炎2例,关节强直1例.结论 手术内固定是治疗胫骨平台骨折的有效方法,术后并发症的发生与骨折的严重程度密切相关.保护好骨折段的生物学环境、术中解剖复位并牢固内固定,以及术后早期适当功能锻炼能提高手术疗效.     

Small wire external fixation for high-energy tibial plateau fractures

PURPOSE: To assess results of small wire external fixation using a ligamentotaxis technique for high-energy tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: Between April 2002 and May 2004, 38 consecutive patients aged 21 to 60 (mean, 32) years underwent small wire external fixation for high-energy tibial plateau fractures. 15 involved the right and 23 the left knee. 34 were closed and 4 were open injuries. Fractures were classified according to Schatzker's staging system. After a minimal of 2 years' follow-up (range, 24-42 months), each affected knee was evaluated using Rasmussen's (1) 30-point clinical grading system and (2) radiological evaluation. RESULTS: There were 22 type-VI and 16 type-V Schatzker tibial plateau fractures. Complications consisted of: 2 superficial infections, 3 pin site infections, and 4 peroneal nerve palsies. No soft tissue necrosis or devitalisation occurred. The mean range of knee movement was 132 degrees. The mean Rasmussen radiological score was 14 (range, 10-18): excellent in 6, good in 26, and fair in 6. The mean Rasmusssen functional score was 26 (range, 17-30): excellent in 19 patients, good in 17, and fair in 2. Clinical results did not parallel the radiological results. CONCLUSION: Small wire external fixation allows anatomical reconstruction of the articular surface, stable fixation of fracture fragments, early movement of the joint, and care of associated soft tissue injuries, without a high rate of complications.     

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.     

双钢板治疗胫骨平台严重粉碎性骨折的体会

目的探讨特殊类型的胫骨平台严重粉碎性骨折的治疗方法。方法对胫骨平台骨折中按Sehatzke分类的（V型、Ⅵ型）骨折行双钢板固定：我科在2000年1月至2007年12月：（1）先用克氏针或尖端复位钳临时将平台的各骨块固定;（2）将塌陷的平台复位,用松质骨将平台骨缺损处填充紧密;（3）用克氏针或尖端复位钳再将平台与骨干固定;（4）用两板钢板行胫骨平台内外侧固定。（5）胫骨结节撕脱的平台骨折复位后应固定或修补胫骨结节及髌韧带。结果本组18例骨折术后即开始功能活动,3例用石膏托固定4周后开始活动,随访0．5年-6年,未发生骨不连,其中2例术后切口感染,优良率达90．5％。结论应用双钢板内固定治疗特殊类型的胫骨平台粉碎骨折,固定可靠,且术后可早期进行功能活动,减轻了伤后关节功能受限的程度,同时早期功能活动能增加骨折面的应力,防止骨质疏松,促进骨愈合。     

High-energy fractures of the tibial plateau. Knee function after longer follow-up

BACKGROUND: Studies of the long-term outcomes of treatment of fractures of the tibial plateau have included wide mixtures of fracture types and mostly low-energy split and split-depression fractures. The long-term results of treatment of high-energy intra-articular proximal tibial fractures are unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the function of the knee and the development of arthrosis at a minimum of five years after injury in a consecutive series of patients in whom a high-energy fracture of the tibial plateau had been treated with a uniform technique of external fixation. METHODS: Between July 1988 and December 1994, thirty patients with a total of thirty-one fractures of the tibial plateau were treated with a monolateral external fixator and limited internal fixation of the articular surface. Follow-up data on twenty-four knees in twenty-three patients were obtained at a mean of ninety-eight months. Twenty patients (twenty knees) returned specifically for the study, at which time they completed an Iowa Knee Score questionnaire and a Short Form-36 (SF-36) general health survey, a physical examination was performed, and weight-bearing radiographs were made. The results of the SF-36 evaluations for fourteen patients and the Knee Scores for twelve were compared with those obtained five years previously, at two to four years after the injury. RESULTS: After healing, no patient required a secondary reconstructive procedure. The range of motion of the knee averaged 3 degrees of extension to 120 degrees flexion, which was an average of 87% of the total arc of the contralateral knee. The average Iowa Knee Score was 90 points (range, 72 to 100 points). For twelve patients, the Iowa Knee Score previously recorded at two to four years averaged 92 points, as did the score at the time of the latest follow-up. Thirteen patients rated their outcome as excellent; six, as good; and three, as fair. Fifteen patients were working, and ten of them were performing strenuous labor. Radiographs showed no evidence of arthrosis in fourteen knees, grade-1 arthrosis in three, grade-2 in three, and grade-3 in two. Compared with the radiographic appearance two to four years after injury, there was no evidence of progression of arthrosis in eighteen knees and one grade of progression in four. The SF-36 subscale scores were similar to those of age-matched controls. The fourteen patients who had previous SF-36 scores had no deterioration of these scores. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a high-energy fracture of the tibial plateau treated with external fixation have a good prognosis for satisfactory knee function in the second five years after injury. The knee joint cartilage appears to be tolerant of both the injury and mild-to-moderate residual articular displacement, which was associated with a low rate of severe arthrosis.     

Open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the radial head

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze the functional results following open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the radial head and to determine which fracture patterns are most amenable to this treatment. METHODS: Fifty-six patients in whom an intra-articular fracture of the radial head had been treated with open reduction and internal fixation were evaluated at an average of forty-eight months after injury. Thirty patients had a Mason Type-2 (partial articular) fracture, and twenty-six had a Mason Type-3 (complete articular) fracture. Twenty-seven of the fifty-six fractures were associated with a fracture-dislocation of the forearm or elbow or an injury of the medial collateral ligament. Fifteen of the thirty Type-2 fractures were comminuted. Fourteen of the twenty-six Type-3 fractures consisted of more than three fragments, and twelve consisted of two or three fragments. The result at the final evaluation was judged to be unsatisfactory when there was early failure of fixation or nonunion requiring a second operation to excise the radial head, <100 degrees of forearm rotation, or a fair or poor rating according to the system of Broberg and Morrey. RESULTS: The result was unsatisfactory for four of the fifteen patients with a comminuted Mason Type-2 fracture of the radial head; all four fractures had been associated with a fracture-dislocation of the forearm or elbow, and all four patients recovered <100 degrees of forearm rotation. Thirteen of the fourteen patients with a Mason Type-3 comminuted fracture with more than three articular fragments had an unsatisfactory result. In contrast, all fifteen patients with an isolated, noncomminuted Type-2 fracture had a satisfactory result. Of the twelve patients with a Type-3 fracture that split the radial head into two or three simple fragments, none had early failure, one had nonunion, and all had an arc of forearm rotation of > or =100 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Although current implants and techniques for internal fixation of small articular fractures have made it possible to repair most fractures of the radial head, our data suggest that open reduction and internal fixation is best reserved for minimally comminuted fractures with three or fewer articular fragments. Associated fracture-dislocation of the elbow or forearm may also compromise the long-term result of radial head repair, especially with regard to restoration of forearm rotation.     

复杂胫骨平台骨折手术入路的探讨

目的 评价双切口入路治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折手术治疗方法及疗效。方法 2003年5月-2004年11月，手术治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折24例，其中男16例，女8例。年龄21～65岁，平均40．6岁。左侧11肢，右侧14肢，1例为双侧，均为闭合性骨折。致伤原因：高处坠落伤10例，交通伤12例，其他2例。按照Schatzker分型标准：Ⅴ型14肢，Ⅵ型11肢。受伤至手术时间6～15d，平均10．4d，均采用双切口入路，双钢板固定手术治疗。结果所有患者均获随访12～23个月，平均15．6个月。术后骨折愈合时间6～9个月，平均7．4个月。其中2肢因关节面粉碎严重未达到解剖复位；1肢因干骺端粉碎严重未恢复下肢正常力线，出现膝内翻；3肢出现伤口表皮坏死，无骨外露，经换药处理后愈合。膝关节功能按Rasmussen评分标准评定：优10肢，良8肢，可3肢，差4肢。结论 双切口入路降低了软组织的并发症，有利于关节面复位；双钢板固定可靠，可早期行功能锻炼，是一种较好的治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折的手术入路和方法。     

Tibial pilon fractures

Tibial pilon fractures are severe injuries to the distal articular surface of the tibia. Such injuries frequently result from high-energy axial impact and are often associated with extended soft tissue injury. Various treatment methods are available, depending not only on the fracture type but mostly on the extent of the soft tissue injury; one of the most frequent procedures is a two-stage surgery: the initial closed reduction of the fracture via primary placement of an ankle joint-spanning external fixator, if possible in conjunction with open reduction and internal fixation of the fractured fibula followed by a secondary procedure after soft tissue recovery by open reduction and internal fixation of the tibial plafond. By now, new types of low-profile and locking plates are available for internal fixation allowing the anatomical reconstruction of the fractured articular surface while sparing the soft tissue. Nonetheless, the treatment of tibial pilon fractures is technically demanding because of their potential for severe complications.     

Management of the Schatzker VI fractures with lateral locked screw plating

Complex proximal tibial plateau fractures need surgical treatment to achieve good clinical results. The treatment of this kind of fractures is often complicated either by the patient’s compromised general conditions, or by soft tissue damage. The locking plate combines the technical advantages of an angular stable plate with those of the modern biological plating technique. From December 2002 to December 2008 we treated 18 patients with complex fractures of the tibial plateau (Schatzker VI). All patients were treated with a fixed angle locking plate, 15 with the LISS (Less Invasive Stabilisation System) and 3 with ZPLT (Zimmer Periarticular Locking Plate system). Average time for full weight bearing was 16.2 weeks. In 3 cases we removed the fixation devices after healing because the patients didn’t tolerate the fixation devices. Two patients developed superficial infections that we treated with antibiotic therapy. In 2 cases the LISS plate broke because of pseudarthrosis at the diaphyseal level. To conclude, analysing the results we obtained, we consider that the LISS system is an extremely effective fixation device for the treatment of such difficult and complicated fractures as high energy tibial plateau fractures certainly are. Indirect reduction of the fracture, obtained either with an external fixator, or with traction, must precede the use of the fixation device. The failures, such as post-op malalignment or loss of reduction, are due to a wrong evaluation of the fracture morphology. In fact, comminuted fractures, dislocation and rotation of the medial tibial plateau cannot be stabilised just with lateral angular stable plates, but fixation of the medial tibial plateau must be performed first.