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.     

Treatment of isolated posterior coronal fracture of the lateral tibial plateau through posterolateral approach for direct exposure and buttress plate fixation

Purpose  To present a case series of patients with isolated posterior coronal fractures of lateral tibial plateau treated by direct exposure and buttress plate fixation through posterolateral approach. Methods  Between May 2007 and April of 2008, eight middle aged patients were identified that had isolated posterior coronal fractures of the lateral tibial plateau. All eight patients underwent direct fracture exposure, reduction under visualization, and buttress plate fixation through posterolateral approach. Results  There were 1 case of split, two cases of pure depression and five cases of split-depression fractures. Four were associated fibular head split fractures without common peroneal nerve injuries. Five patients were injured from a simple fall on riding electrical bicycle while the knee was relaxed in 90° position The articular displacement (8 cases) measured in CT scan was 10.5 mm in average (range 8–15 mm). The cortical split length (from the articular rim to the distal tip, 6 cases) was 2.8 cm in average (range 2.4–3.5 cm). The articular reduction was perfect in seven (absolutely no step-off) and imperfect in 1(<2 mm step-off) as measured by X-ray. With a mean follow-up of 10 months (6 cases > 12 months), the average range of motion arc was 119°, four patients have flexion lag 10°–20°. The average SMFA dysfunction score was 15.8, and average HSS score was 98. All eight patients stated they were highly satisfied. Conclusions  Direct posterolateral approach by dividing lateral border of soleus muscle, provides excellent fracture reduction under visualization and internal buttress plate fixation for posterior coronal fracture of the lateral tibial plateau. Good functional results and recovery can be expected.     

后方入路治疗胫骨平台后方骨折

目的:探讨后方入路治疗胫骨平台后方骨折的骨折类型、手术方法和临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析自2008年6月至2011年2月采用后方入路治疗且随访完整的8例胫骨平台后方骨折,男5例,女3例;年龄23～55岁,平均41.1岁。致伤原因:车祸伤5例,高处坠落伤3例。2例胫骨平台后方冠状面骨折伴后交叉韧带撕脱和1例后外侧平台劈裂伴塌陷骨折采用正后方"S"形入路,2例后内侧平台骨折采用后内侧倒"L"型入路,3例同时累及胫骨平台前后侧及胫骨干骺端骨折者采用后内侧倒"L"形入路联合前外侧入路行钢板螺钉内固定。关节面塌陷者采用同种异体骨或自体髂骨植骨术。结果:所有患者获得随访,时间8～39个月,平均20个月。全部病例获得影像学上的骨性愈合,愈合时间11～21周,平均14.5周。术中未出现血管、神经损伤,术后无一例出现切口感染、内固定松动及断裂。所有患者术后即刻与术后6个月胫骨平台内翻角(TPA)、内外侧平台后倾角(PA)度数均无统计学差异。术后末次随访Rasmussen膝关节功能评分为19～29分,平均25.60分,其中优4例,良3例,可1例。术后末次随访Rasmussen放射学评分14～18分,平均17.25分,其中优6例,良2例。结论:胫骨平台骨折以后侧为主时,后方入路能得到很好的骨折端暴露,有利于直视下复位固定,术后近期疗效满意。     

胫骨平台后髁骨折的治疗

目的:探讨胫骨平台后髁骨折的治疗方法。方法:9例胫骨平台后髁骨折患者,男6例,女3例;年龄24~58岁,平均36岁。左侧2例,右侧7例。骨折类型:后外侧髁骨折5例,后内侧髁骨折1例,双髁骨折3例,采用后内和(或)后外侧入路复位内固定治疗。结果:9例均获随访,随访时间6~32个月,平均18·4个月。患膝关节功能评定按Hohl评分标准:优7例,良2例。关节面未见明显塌陷情况。结论:膝关节的后内和(或)外侧入路较前侧入路能更充分暴露后关节间隙及胫骨平台后髁,为骨折的直视复位和植骨内固定提供了良好的操作空间。     

Operative treatment of tibial plateau fractures in patients older than 55 years

Surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures in the older patient poses an additional challenge because of the underlying condition of the bone and articular surface. We sought to identify risk factors for poorer outcomes in the operative treatment of displaced tibial plateau fractures in older patients. Thirty-nine displaced tibial plateau fractures in patients 55 years and older were treated operatively. Patients were evaluated objectively with Rasmussen clinical and radiologic scoring techniques, and the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment and the Short-Form 36 self-assessment instruments. The Rasmussen clinical and radiologic scoring systems, used on average 2.54 years postoperatively, found acceptable results in 87.2% and 82.1% of patients, respectively. The fracture classification of Schatzker was not predictive of results. External fixation was associated with significantly poorer results. Increasing age was associated with poorer clinical and self-assessment scores, although preexisting degenerative joint disease was not. The results from the Short-Form 36 indices were not significantly worse for our study patients. The average Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment score of our study patients indicated poorer function for mobility than a normative group. Operative treatment of this injury in this population can result in favorable outcomes as evaluated by clinical, radiographic, and self-assessment criteria.     

The extended posterolateral approach for split depression lateral tibial plateau fractures extending into the posterior column: 2 years follow up results of a prospective study

ObjectiveTo prospectively study the outcome of surgically treated split depression lateral tibial plateau fractures extending into the posterior column using the extended posterolateral approach.MethodsTwenty-one patients with split depression lateral tibial plateau fractures (AO: 41-B3) with extension into the posterior column were treated with open reduction and internal fixation through an extended posterolateral approach with osteotomy of the fibular neck ± Gerdy tubercle. Follow up radiographs was assessed for quality of articular reduction and limb axis. Functional assessment was performed at last follow up using the Tegner–Lysholm score. Complications pertaining to the surgical approach were recorded.ResultsThe approach was performed in 15 patients with a fibular neck osteotomy alone and 6 patients required a Gerdy's tubercle osteotomy also. All fractures and osteotomies had united. Anatomical articular reduction was achieved in 16 patients. Radiological limb alignment was restored in all patients except for a reversed posterior slope in 1 patient. Arthritic changes were seen in 3 patients. The mean Tegner–Lysholm score was 87.3 (range: 76–95) at last follow up. No specific complications related to the surgical approach like common peroneal nerve injury and lateral instability of the knee was encountered.ConclusionThe extended posterolateral approach offers excellent exposure posterior to the fibular head to perform articular reduction and fixation achieving satisfactory radiological and functional results in split depression lateral tibial plateau fractures extending into the posterior column.     

双锁定钢板交叉支撑固定治疗累及后外侧的C3型胫骨平台骨折

 目的 探讨应用前外侧结合前内侧入路、双锁定钢板交叉支撑固定治疗伴有后外侧劈裂塌陷的 C3 型胫骨平台骨折的可行性、手术方法及近期疗效。方法 回顾性分析 2011 年 3月至 2012年 12月,采用前外侧结合前内侧入路、双锁定钢板交叉支撑固定治疗 15例累及后外侧的 C3型胫骨平台骨折的患者资料,男 9例,女 6例;年龄 27~56岁,平均 42.6岁;均为闭合性骨折。术后进行临床及影像学检查,对术后 X线片采用 Rasmussen放射学评分进行评估,在术后第 12个月随访时采用美国特种外科医院（hospital for special surgery, HSS）评分对膝关节功能进行评估。结果 15例患者均获得随访,随访时间 12~23个月,平均 13.5个月;手术时间 120~210 min,平均 196 min。术后完全负重时间 8~20周,平均 11.6周;骨折临床愈合时间 12~16周,平均 13.8周。术后即刻、3个月、6个月、12个月在 X线片上测量的患肢胫骨平台内翻角及后倾角度数比较,差异均无统计学意义。膝关节功能 HSS评分为 85~95分,平均 89.5分,均为优;术后 Rasmussen放射学评分为 14~18分,平均 16.2分。1例患者术后 2周出现内侧切口约 4 cm的皮肤坏死,经清创负压引流后愈合。末次随访无一例发生感染、骨折不愈合、复位高度丢失、内固定松动、膝关节不稳及医原性神经、血管损伤等并发症。结论 采用前外侧结合前内侧入路、双锁定钢板交叉支撑固定治疗伴有后外侧劈裂塌陷的 C3型胫骨平台骨折方法可行,该方法术中暴露充分,能够允许膝关节进行早期功能锻炼;术后近期疗效满意,未见明显角度丢失及关节面的再次塌陷,膝关节功能恢复好,未出现血管神经损伤、感染等严重并发症。     

胫骨平台后髁骨折的治疗

目的:探讨胫骨平台后髁骨折的治疗方法。方法:9例胫骨平台后髁骨折患者,男6例,女3例;年龄24⁵8岁,平均36岁。左侧2例,右侧7例。骨折类型:后外侧髁骨折5例,后内侧髁骨折1例,双髁骨折3例,采用后内和（或）后外侧入路复位内固定治疗。结果:9例均获随访,随访时间6³2个月,平均18·4个月。患膝关节功能评定按Hohl评分标准:优7例,良2例。关节面未见明显塌陷情况。结论:膝关节的后内和（或）外侧入路较前侧入路能更充分暴露后关节间隙及胫骨平台后髁,为骨折的直视复位和植骨内固定提供了良好的操作空间。     

Outcome of open comminuted tibial plateau fractures treated using an external fixator

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of open severe comminuted tibial plateau fractures treated with minimal internal fixation and circular external fixation frames. Methods Fifteen open comminuted tibial plateau fractures were involved in this retrospective study. In eight knees, the fracture was reduced through an extended open traumatic wound. In seven patients, another limited incision over the major fracture line or area of comminution was performed to assist in reducing the articular reduction. Simultaneous bone grafting, soft tissue reconstruction, and stabilization of the fracture using a circular external fixator were carried out. Results The patients were followed for an average of 32 months (range 24–54 months). The average time to union of the fractures and frame removal was 22.8 weeks (range 16–44 weeks). The quality of the reduction of the joint surface was rated as anatomical in four patients, good in five patients, fair in three patients, and poor in three patients. Four patients experienced loss of articular reduction. The Knee Society Clinical Rating scores indicated that three knees were excellent, seven were good, one was fair, and four were poor. Complications included one case of septic arthritis, one of osteomyelitis, one of malunion, and four with loss of reduction. Conclusions This technique provided acceptable results for open severe comminuted fractures of the tibial plateau without comminuted posterior wall fractures. The most significant disadvantage of the technique is insufficient anatomical reduction and loss of reduction in comminuted posterior wall fractures in the coronal plane. This technique should be combined with a minimally invasive internal fixation method to prevent loss of reduction in open severe comminuted and irreducible tibial plateau fractures.     

胫骨平台外后壁骨折的治疗

目的 探讨胫骨平台外后壁骨折的手术治疗方法。方法 采用延长的外侧途径并腓骨颈截骨显露骨折，应用异形钢板松质骨螺丝钉联合固定治疗13例胫骨平台外后壁骨折。结果 13例均获得随访，平均随访26个月，患膝关节功能评价按Hohl评分标准：优10例，良3例。结论 以延长的外侧途径及腓骨颈截骨为入路可充分显露胫骨平台外后壁骨折端，完成骨折的解剖复位，获得良好的治疗效果，值得临床推广使用。     

Intramedullary nailing of distal metaphyseal tibial fractures

BACKGROUND: The treatment of distal metaphyseal tibial fractures remains controversial. This study was performed to evaluate the results of intramedullary nailing of distal tibial fractures located within 5 cm of the ankle joint. METHODS: Over a sixteen-month period at two institutions, thirty-six tibial fractures that involved the distal 5 cm of the tibia were treated with reamed intramedullary nailing with use of either two or three distal interlocking screws. Ten fractures with articular extension were treated with supplementary screw fixation prior to the intramedullary nailing. Radiographs were reviewed to determine the immediate and final alignments and fracture-healing. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (MFA) questionnaires were used to evaluate functional outcome. RESULTS: Acceptable radiographic alignment, defined as <5 degrees of angulation in any plane, was obtained in thirty-three patients (92%). No patient had any change in alignment between the immediate postoperative and the final radiographic evaluation. Complications included one deep infection and one iatrogenic fracture at the time of the intramedullary nailing. Six patients could not be followed. The remaining thirty fractures united at an average of 23.5 weeks. Three patients with associated traumatic bone loss underwent a staged autograft procedure, and they had fracture-healing at an average of 44.3 weeks. The functional outcome was determined at a minimum of one year for nineteen patients and at a minimum of two years (average, 4.5 years) for fifteen patients. At one year, there were significant limitations in several domains despite fracture union and maintenance of alignment, but there was improvement in the MFA scores with time. CONCLUSIONS: Intramedullary nailing is an effective alternative for the treatment of distal metaphyseal tibial fractures. Simple articular extension of the fracture is not a contraindication to intramedullary fixation. Functional outcomes improve with time.     

胫骨平台解剖型后侧锁定钢板内固定治疗胫骨平台后侧骨折

目的探讨胫骨平台解剖型后侧锁定钢板内固定治疗胫骨平台后侧骨折的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2012-04—2013-07采用胫骨平台解剖型后侧锁定钢板内固定治疗的46例胫骨平台后侧骨折。记录手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间、骨折愈合时间。测量术后即刻和术后1年患肢胫骨平台内翻角（TPA）、后倾角（PA）及胫股角（FTA）。末次随访时膝关节功能评估采用美国特种外科医院（HSS）膝关节功能评分系统评定。结果本组手术时间（59.0±14.2）min,术中出血量（96.0±16.7）ml,住院时间（13.6±4.5）d。所有患者均获得随访（16.8±4.2）个月,骨折愈合时间（13.6±2.8）周。末次随访时膝关节功能HSS评分为（89.7±5.6）分,优良率93.5%。术后即刻与术后1年的患肢TPA、PA及FTA的比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论胫骨平台后侧锁定钢板内固定治疗胫骨平台后侧骨折具有内固定放置方便、手术时间短、出血量少、膝关节功能恢复好等优点。     

Results of ankle fractures with involvement of the posterior tibial margin

BACKGROUND: Ankle fractures have a significantly worse functional outcome when they include a posterior tibial fragment. In 57 trimalleolar fractures, the effect of size, internal fixation, and anatomic reduction of the posterior fragment on the prognosis was evaluated. METHODS: A modified Weber protocol was used, providing a rating system for subjective, objective, and radiographic results. A visual analogue scale for subjective actual pain was also scored. RESULTS: The involvement of the articular surface ranged from 8% to 55%. Size or fixation of the fragment did not influence prognosis. Joint congruity in fragments >or= 10% of the articular surface was a significant factor influencing prognosis. Overall, the modified Weber protocol result was excellent in 10%, good in 15%, fair in 25%, and poor in 50% of patients. However, the low average visual analogue scale of 3.0 in the whole group does not appear representative of 50% poor results, indicating that the modified Weber protocol is fairly strict and overestimates the number of poor results. CONCLUSION: Joint congruity with or without fixation was a significant factor influencing prognosis. Congruity should be achieved for fragments >or= 10% of the tibial articular surface.     

Experimental tibial plateau fractures augmented with calcium phosphate cement or autologous bone graft

BACKGROUND: Depression fractures of the tibial plateau are often managed with use of internal fixation and autologous bone-grafting to maintain an anatomical reduction. Bone-grafting, however, provides only limited stability. As calcium phosphate cements have appropriate mechanical properties, they may provide a more suitable alternative. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of a calcium phosphate cement with that of impacted cancellous autograft for maintaining an anatomical reduction in an experimental model of a tibial plateau fracture. METHODS: Standardized cylindrical subchondral defects that were 8 mm in diameter and 10 mm deep were created bilaterally beneath the subchondral bone of the articular cartilage in the lateral tibial plateau of goats. An osteotome was used to fracture the overlying subchondral plate and articular cartilage. The plateau fracture fragment was completely depressed into the subchondral defect and then was anatomically reduced. The defects were randomly filled with either calcium phosphate cement or cancellous autograft. No internal fixation was used. The tibiae were harvested at varying time-periods that ranged from twenty-four hours to eighteen months. The stiffness of the healing augmented plateau fractures was determined. Histological specimens were assigned a score for degenerative changes. Loss of anatomic reduction was demonstrated in photomicrographs, and the amount of subsidence of the osteochondral fragment was measured in whole-mount histological sections. RESULTS: The prevalence and degree of fracture subsidence was significantly reduced at all time-points in the defects treated with calcium phosphate cement compared with those filled with autograft (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in fracture stiffness between the two treatment groups at any of the time-points examined. The calcium phosphate cement was rapidly resorbed, and the volume fraction of the calcium phosphate cement was decreased to 4% at six months. The trabecular bone volume in the defects was restored to that of the intact controls at six months in both treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cancellous autograft did not maintain an anatomical reduction of the tibial plateau fractures in this model. In contrast, augmentation with calcium phosphate cement prevented subsidence of the fracture fragment and maintained articular congruency as the fracture healed. The improved articular congruency reduced the prevalence and severity of degenerative changes in the joint.     

胫骨平台后柱骨折的手术治疗

目的 介绍胫骨平台后柱骨折的骨折类型、手术方法 及临床疗效,讨论三柱理论在决定后侧平台骨折治疗方案中的作用.方法 2005年2月至2006年8月间,共收治涉及胫骨平台后柱骨折患者36例,均采用支撑钢板内固定.单纯后侧入路20例,其中男13例,女7例;年龄29～52岁(平均38.5岁).前后联合入路16例,其中男11例,女5例;年龄27～49岁(平均37.3岁).结果 经12～15个月(平均14.5个月)随访,36例全部愈合.平均X线愈合时间为15.7周(11～16周),完全负重时间平均为17.6周(13～21周).术后1年膝关节HSS评分68～92分,平均83.4分.1例患者术中内侧腓肠肌膝下内侧血管损伤,术后1例出现切口裂开,1例发生切口皮缘部分坏死,均经保守治疗痊愈.3例术后出现小腿内下方感觉麻木,无螺钉松动、断裂及内固定失效等其他并发症发生.所有病例术后即刻、术后12个月胫骨平台内翻角(TPA)及内、外侧胫骨平台后倾角(PA)度数的F和P值分别为1.186,0.169;4.923,0.536;1.931,0.212,差异均无统计学意义.结论 通过胫骨平台CT水平面三柱结构决定骨折类型后,单纯后侧或前后联合入路支撑钢板固定是治疗胫骨平台后柱骨折的一种有效方法 .     

累及整个胫骨远端后穹窿三踝骨折的手术治疗策略

目的探讨累及整个胫骨远端后穹窿三踝骨折的手术治疗策略。方法回顾性分析自2008-04—2012-10采用切开复位钢板内固定治疗的20例累及整个胫骨远端后穹窿的三踝骨折。采用后外侧联合后内侧入路,解剖复位腓骨后,先复位后踝的后外侧骨折块,克氏针临时固定,通过后内侧切口复位后内侧骨折块,透视下证实解剖复位,根据骨折块大小选用钢板或螺钉从后向前固定。结果本组20例均获得13~56(19.7±9.2)个月随访。骨折愈合时间为10~15(11.7±1.6)周。末次随访时AOFAS评分85~100(91.3±4.6)分,其中Ⅰ型骨折85~100(91.7±5.0)分;Ⅱ型骨折85~100(91.1±4.6)分。末次随访VAS评分为0~3(1.1±1.0)分,其中Ⅰ型骨折0~2(1.0±1.0)分,Ⅱ型骨折0~3(1.2±1.1)分。结论累及整个胫骨远端后穹窿的三踝骨折是一类较为特殊的骨折类型,采用后内侧联合后外侧入路解剖复位内固定,着重恢复胫骨远端关节面高度和完整性,短期疗效满意。     

Surgical approach for high-energy posterior tibial plateau fractures

Background:

High-energy fractures of posterior tibial plateau always need surgical treatment. Generally, posterior fragments of these fractures could not be exposed and reduced well in conventional anterior approaches. Although a posterolateral/posteromedial approach to manage posterior tibial plateau fractures can achieve satisfactory results, there are few presentations concerning the treatment of these high-energy injuries based on posterior approaches combined with anterior approach if necessary.

Materials and Methods:

Ten cases of posterior tibial plateau fractures from high-energy injuries were retrospectively reviewed and followed up for mean 26.5 months (range 14–45 months). A posterolateral/posteromedial approach was adopted primarily to fix main fragment in posterior tibial plateau, and intraoperative assessment of the stability of knee was done. An anterior approach was added if required.

Results:

Posterolateral approach was employed in seven cases, posteromedial in three, and additional anteromedial in three, and anterolateral in two cases. The average time to union of all 10 fractures was 3.7 months (range 3–5.5 months). Nine patients had satisfactory articular reduction. The range of motion of the knee averaged 2° of extension to 110.5° of flexion. No patient complained of knee instability. The average postoperative HSS score at the final followup was 92.70.

Conclusions:

High-energy fractures of posterior tibial plateau could be well treated based on posterior approaches combined with necessary anterior approach if required.     

Predictors of functional outcome following transsyndesmotic screw fixation of ankle fractures

OBJECTIVE: Given the continued debate regarding syndesmotic screw fixation, we reviewed our institution's series of ankle syndesmotic screw insertions: 1) to examine technical aspects of syndesmotic screw fixation; and 2) to identify predictors of function and quality of life utilizing validated instruments. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study (level IV). SETTING: Three university hospitals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with ankle injuries who received syndesmotic screw fixation at 3 university-affiliated hospitals from 1998 to 2001. A combined hospital database for all 3 university affiliated hospitals was searched to identify all ankle fractures. Potentially eligible patients' charts were hand searched to determine the use of syndesmotic screw fixation. Radiographs from each patient were assessed for final eligibility for study inclusion. Baseline demographic information, fracture type (Lauge-Hansen, AO Weber), radiographic measurements of syndesmotic reduction, type of implants (number of screws, number of cortices, screw size), and screw removal at follow-up were determined. All radiographs were standardized for magnification. Patients also reported return to work, a visual analogue ankle pain score, and completed 2 functional outcomes instruments (Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Index, Olerud and Molander Scale). MAIN OUTCOMES: Return to work, a visual analogue ankle pain score, and 3 functional outcomes instruments (Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Index, Olerud and Molander Scale). RESULTS: Of 425 ankle fractures treated, 51 fractures had syndesmotic screw fixation. Patients were often males (67%), mean age 40.0 +/- 18.0 years, with sedentary occupations (88%), and twisting injuries (80%). Seventy percent of injuries were pronation external rotation injuries, and 30% were supination external rotation injuries. The ankle was dislocated in 45% of cases. The most common constructs for fixation included lateral plates with syndesmotic screws (45%). The majority of constructs included a single 3.5-mm cortical screw through 3 cortices of bone. Based upon postoperative x-rays, 16% of syndesmoses were not reduced. Additionally, 8 patients were deemed have inappropriate/lack of indications for syndesmotic screw insertion. At final follow-up (N = 39 patients, mean 18.1 months), patients achieved good function and quality of life (mean scores: Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment functional index = 11.4 +/- 10.6, Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment bother index = 13.5 +/- 13.1, Olerud and Molander = 74.1 +/- 23.4, visual analogue pain scale = 1.7 +/- 1.9). The only significant predictor of functional outcome was reduction of the syndesmosis (P = 0.04). This variable alone accounted for 18% of the variation in Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Index physical function scores and 15% of the variance in the Olerud and Molander (running subscale) outcome measure. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings suggest: 1) technical aspects of syndesmotic screw fixation vary between surgeons; 2) 16% of syndesmotic screws may have been unnecessary; and 3) despite variability in technique and indications, anatomic reduction of syndesmosis was significantly associated with improved Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Index functional outcome. Larger, prospective studies are needed to further explore our findings.     

解剖型胫骨髁钢板治疗胫骨平台骨折

[目的]探讨胫骨平台骨折内固定的方法，评估内固定手术的疗效。[方法]对本科2000～2006年收治的22例胫骨平台骨折手术内固定患者进行随访，并进行回顾性分析，全部患者均采用德国LINK解剖型髁钢板内固定。[结果]本组患者平均随访33．3个月，骨折均于3个月愈合。膝关节功能恢复情况根据关节活动度、疼痛、关节稳定性进行HSS评分，平均89．5分。[结论]解剖型胫骨髁钢板可很好的治疗各型胫骨平台骨折，手术操作简单，治疗效果满意，是治疗胫骨平台骨折的良好的内固定材料。     

胫骨平台后侧骨折的手术治疗

目的 探讨膝关节后内侧入路和后外侧入路手术治疗胫骨平台后侧骨折的手术方法和临床疗效.方法 2006年1月至2008年6月,采用后侧入路手术治疗胫骨平台后侧骨折获得随访的患者21例,男12例,女9例;年龄28～68岁,平均39.5岁.致伤原因:车祸伤13例,高处坠落伤8例.按Khan骨折分型:后内侧骨折7例,后外侧骨折8例,同时累及后内及后外侧骨折6例;均为新鲜闭合性骨折.采用胫骨平台后内侧入路7例,胫骨平台后外侧入路8例,后内外联合人路6例.结果 21例患者均获得随访,随访时间12～24个月,平均16.2个月.无一例发生切口感染、血管神经损伤、内固定松动及断裂,骨折均愈合,无膝关节内、外翻畸形和骨折再移位.术后Rasmussen膝关节功能为13～30分,平均24.2分,其中优12例,良7例,可2例,优良率为90.5%;Rasmussen放射学评分为10～18分,平均15.6分,其中优13例,良7例,可1例,优良率为95.2%.术后1例膝关节伸屈活动明显受限,经二期关节镜下松解并行功能锻炼后改善;2例发生创伤性关节炎,经向关节内注射玻璃酸钠及口服非甾体类抗炎药物后疼痛缓解.结论 膝关节后内侧和后外侧入路手术治疗胫骨平台后侧骨折,有利于平台后侧骨折的复位和固定,具有暴露清楚、内固定安放方便、创伤小及临床疗效好等优点.运用合适的内固定和恰当的功能锻炼可取得满意的临床疗效.

Abstract：

Objective To discuss the operative procedures and clinical result of posteromedial and posterolateral approaches in treatment of posterior condylar tibial plateau fractures. Methods From January 2006 to June 2008, 21 patients of posterior condylar tibial plateau fractures were treated by posteromedial and posterolateral knee approaches. There were 12 males and 9 females. The age ranged from 28 to 68 years, with a mean of 39.5 years. Of the patients, 13 had resulted from a traffic accident and 8 had caused by a fall. As for the state of posterior condylar tibial plateau fractures, 7 patients had a medial condylar.fracture, 8 patients had a lateral condylar fracture and 6 patients had a bilateral condylar fracture. Results A follow-up lasted 12-24 months (mean 16.2 months ) in 21 patients. There was no infection, no varus or valgus of the knee, no nerve injuries and loosening or breakage of the screw. All cases had attained bone union. According to the Rasmussen functional scoring, the results were excellent in 12, good in 7 and fair in 2. The excellent and good rate of clinical results was 90.5%. Radiologic results were graded with the Rasmussen score to evaluate the reduction of fracture. There were excellent in 13, good in 7 and fair in 1. The excellent and good rate of clinical results was 95.2%. Conclusion Posteromedial and posterolateral approaches can facilitate the reduction and fixation for posterior condylar tibial plateau fractures. It has many advantages such as good exposure, less invasion and the excellent clinical results.