Arthroscopic-assisted reduction with bilateral buttress plate fixation of complex tibial plateau fractures

Purpose:Our aim was to determine the outcome of arthroscopic-assisted reduction with bilateral buttress plate fixation for the treatment of closed complex tibial plateau fractures.Type of Study:Case series.Methods:18 consecutive patients (12 men, 6 women) with complex tibial plateau fractures were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent arthroscopic-assisted bilateral buttress plate fixation of closed complex tibial plateau fractures. The average age at operation was 35 years (range, 23 to 45 years). The follow-up period ranged from 39 to 69 months, with an average of 48 months. Using the Schatzker classification, there were 11 type V and 7 type VI fractures. The clinical and radiological outcomes were determined according to Rasmussen’s system.Results:All of the 18 fractures united. Overall, 4 (22%) patients were rated as excellent, 12 (67%) good, and 2 (11%) fair. Secondary osteoarthritis appeared in 3 injured knees (16.7%). One patient had a wound dehiscence (3 cm long) of the medial incision. Condylar joint surface depression was noted in 3 patients without functional instability. Two patients had valgus alignment between 10° and 15°. Two patients had the paresthesia over the lateral calf. There were no complications directly associated with arthroscopy in any of the 18 patients. No deep vein thrombosis, infection, or knee stiffness was found at final follow-up.Conclusions:Arthroscopic-assisted reduction with bilateral buttress plate fixation for complex tibial plateau fractures allows accurate fracture reduction, diagnosis, and treatment of associated intra-articular lesions, and less dissection than open reduction internal fixation.     

A biomechanical comparison between locked 3.5-mm plates and 4.5-mm plates for the treatment of simple bicondylar tibial plateau fractures: is bigger necessarily better?

Background

Evolution of periarticular implant technology has led to stiffer, more stable fixation constructs. However, as plate options increase, comparisons between different sized constructs have not been performed. The purpose of this study is to biomechanically assess any significant differences between 3.5- and 4.5-mm locked tibial plateau plates in a simple bicondylar fracture model.

Materials and methods

A total of 24 synthetic composite bone models (12 Schatzker V and 12 Schatzker VI) specimens were tested. In each group, six specimens were fixed with a 3.5-mm locked proximal tibia plate and six specimens were fixed with a 4.5-mm locking plate. Testing measures included axial ramp loading to 500 N, cyclic loading to 10,000 cycles and axial load to failure.

Results

In the Schatzker V comparison model, there were no significant differences in inferior displacement or plastic deformation after 10, 100, 1,000 and 10,000 cycles. In regards to axial load, the 4.5-mm plate exhibited a significantly higher load to failure (P = 0.05). In the Schatzker VI comparison model, there were significant differences in inferior displacement or elastic deformation after 10, 100, 1,000, and 10,000 cycles. In regards to axial load, the 4.5-mm plate again exhibited a higher load to failure, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.21).

Conclusions

In the advent of technological advancement, periarticular locking plate technology has offered an invaluable option in treating bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. Comparing the biomechanical properties of 3.5- and 4.5-mm locking plates yielded no significant differences in cyclic loading, even in regards to elastic and plastic deformation. Not surprisingly, the 4.5-mm plate was more robust in axial load to failure, but only in the Schatzker V model. In our testing construct, overall, without significant differences, the smaller, lower-profile 3.5-mm plate seems to be a biomechanically sound option in the reconstruction of bicondylar plateau fractures.     

多轴锁定钢板治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折的初步疗效分析

目的 报告多轴锁定钢板治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折的方法及初步疗效. 方法 2006年7月至2007年6月,采用开放复位、多轴锁定钢板内固定治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折25例,闭合性骨折21例,开放性骨折4例;骨折按Schatzker分型:Ⅳ型6例,Ⅴ型16例,Ⅵ型3例;根据影像学测量结果及HSS评分标准进行临床效果评定.结果 所有患者术后获得7～15个月(平均10.5个月)随访,骨折4～6个月后骨折均获骨性愈合,术后6个月膝关节HSS评分78～96分,平均88.4分.发生皮瓣坏死1例,切口局部感染1例,无一例发生内固定松动、断裂或骨折复位丢失现象.术后1周、3个月及6个月的内翻角和后倾角比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05). 结论胫骨平台多轴锁定钢板操作简便,锁定螺钉置入角度选择性高,内固定稳定性好,避免了原始及继发复位的丢失,是手术治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折安全、有效的内固定方法.     

A surgical protocol for bicondylar four-quadrant tibial plateau fractures

Purpose

Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures involving four articular quadrants are severe and complex injuries, and they remain a challenging problem in orthopaedic trauma. The aim of this study was to introduce a new treatment protocol with dual-incision and multi-plate fixation in the floating supine patient position as well as to report the preliminary clinical results.

Methods

From January 2006 to December 2011, 16 consecutive patients with closed bicondylar four-quadrant tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker type VI, OTA/AO 41C2/3) were treated with posteromedial inverted L-shaped and anterolateral incisions. With the posteromedial approach, three quadrants (posteromedial, anteromedial and posterolateral) can be exposed, reduced and fixed with multiple small antiglide plates and short screws in an enclosure pattern. With the anterolateral approach, after articular elevation and bone substitute grafting, a strong locking plate with long screws to the medial cortex is used to raft-buttress the reduced lateral plateau fracture, hold the entire reconstructed tibial condyles together, and contact the condyles with the tibial shaft. All patients were encouraged to exercise knee motion at an early stage. The outcome was evaluated clinically and radiologically after a minimum two-year follow-up.

Results

The average operation time was 98?±?26 minutes (range 70–128) and the average duration of hospitalization was 29?±?8.6 days (range 20–41). Three cases used five plates, nine cases used four plates, and four cases used three plates. All patients were followed for a mean of 28.7?±?6.1 months (range 26–38). Fifteen incisions healed initially, while one patient developed a medial wound dehiscence and was successfully managed by debridement. All patients achieved radiological fracture union after an average of 20.2 weeks. At the two-year follow up, the average knee range of motion (ROM) was 98°?±?13.7 (range 88–125°), with a Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score of 87.7?±?10.3 (range 75–95), and SMFA score of 21.3?±?8.6 (range 12–33).

Conclusion

For bicondylar four-quadrant tibial plateau fractures, the treatment protocol of multiple medial-posterior small plates combined with a lateral strong locking plate through dual incisions can provide stable fracture fixation to allow for early stage rehabilitation. Good clinical outcomes can be anticipated.     

Subdivision of injured area for Schatzker IV tibial plateau fracture repair: A report of 12 cases

BackgroundTreatment of Schatzker IV tibial plateau fractures is challenging due to the wide variety of potential fracture morphologies and injury to multiple ligaments. Subdivision of the injured area into three zones may simplify the preoperative plan. In this study, we reported 12 cases of Schatzker IV tibial plateau fracture that were treated with pre-operative plans based on a new subdivision of the injured area.MethodsFrom January 2012 to April 2016, 12 patients with a Schatzker IV tibial plateau fracture were treated in our hospital with preoperative plans guided by the new sub-division method. Clinical and radiological results were evaluated during follow-up.ResultsIn all cases, the incisions healed without skin necrosis, and the average Lysholm knee score was 73 points (range, 53–90) at the final follow-up.ConclusionSub-division of the injured area represented a useful strategy for preoperative surgical planning in the treatment of Schatzker IV tibial plateau fractures.     

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.     

Comparative analysis of fixation configurations and their effect on outcome after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy

PurposeThe purposes of this study were to analyze and compare 1) the postoperative fixation configurations, and 2) radiological and clinical outcomes between the new conceptual fixation device (LCfit) and the conventional locking plates.MethodsRetrospective comparative analysis of 304 cases who underwent open-wedge high tibial osteotomy with four different locking plate systems including the LCfit system was conducted. In analyzing the fixation configuration of each locking plate system, the plate position, the gap between plate and bone, screw angle, and screw length were evaluated from postoperative CT scans. The clinical outcomes and radiological parameters of four patient groups corresponding to the four locking plate systems were also compared.ResultsIn the analysis of the fixation configurations, the LCfit system showed more posteromedial plate position, decreased gap between plate and bone, reduced screw angle, and longer screw length compared to the other three locking plates. However, there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes and radiological parameters such as hip-knee-ankle angle, weight-bearing line position, medial proximal tibial angle, and posterior slope between the four groups.ConclusionThe newly designed fixation system (LCfit) for open-wedge high tibial osteotomy showed fixation configurations that have theoretical mechanical advantages over conventional anatomical locking plates. However, there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes and radiological parameters between LCfit and the other locking plate systems.Level of evidenceLevel III, retrospective cohort study.     

Reasons for failure of surgical treatment in 25 tibial plateau fractures

BackgroundThe management of tibial plateau fracture is challenging. Restoration of articular congruity and early range of motion should be the primary goal. Proper and adequate preoperative planning is essential for a good outcome.PurposeThe study was a retrospective analysis of failed surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures.MethodsTwenty-five patients with tibial plateau fractures were referred to our hospital after having undergone surgery elsewhere. Because of functional disability, the patients received revision surgery with concomitant treatment of associated soft tissue injuries. The average age at operation was 43.5 years (range, 27–71 years). The average interval between the first treatment and the secondary operation was 10.4 months (range, 6–24 months). From the radiographs and operative findings, we analyzed the factors that cause failure of the index surgical treatments for tibial plateau fractures.ResultsSchatzker classification identified five type II, one type III, four type IV, seven type V, and eight type VI fractures. Among these 25 cases, nonunion was found in seven (28%) patients and malunion in 18 patients (72%). The causes of failed surgeries included inadequate fixation (76%), malreduction (84%), and bone defect (100%). In addition, there were associated soft tissue injuries in nine patients (36%).ConclusionsThe main elements of the surgical management of tibial plateau fractures are anatomical reduction, firm fixation, and bone grafting. Inadequate fixation, malreduction, and bone defects can lead to the failure of surgical treatment. The key to successful surgical treatment is a well-designed surgical scheme tailored on the specific fracture type and soft tissue condition; this can prevent serious complications and resultant malpractice suits.     

双切口双钢板固定治疗Schatzker Ⅴ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折

目的研究双切口双钢板内固定治疗SchatzkerⅤ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折的临床效果。方法自2005年9月至2009年12月采用双切口双钢板内固定治疗SchatzkerⅤ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折16例,对患者年龄、致伤原因、合并损伤、手术时机等进行综合分析,术后功能评价采用R asm ussen膝关节功能评分标准进行评价。结果术后16例患者均获得随访,时间4~47个月,平均18个月,骨折均获骨性愈合。根据R asm ussen膝关节功能评分法进行综合评分,优9例,良4例,可1例,差2例。结论采用双切口双钢板内固定治疗SchatzkerⅤ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折,固定坚强,并发症少,效果满意。     

Risk factors for infection after operative fixation of Tibial plateau fractures

IntroductionTibial plateau fractures are challenging to treat due to the high incidence of postoperative infections. Treating physicians should be aware of risk factors for postoperative infection in patients who undergo operative fixation.Patients and methodsA retrospective review was undertaken to identify all patients with tibial plateau fractures over a 10 year period (2003–2012) who underwent open reduction internal fixation. A total of 532 patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria. Several patient and clinical characteristics were recorded, and those variables with a significant association (p < 0.05) with postoperative infection after a univariate analysis were further analyzed using a multivariate analysis.ResultsFifty-nine (11.1%) of the 532 patients developed a deep infection. The average length of follow-up for patients was 19.5 months. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was the most common species, and it was isolated in 26 (44.1%) patients. Open fractures, the presence of compartment syndrome, and a Schatzker type IV−VI were found to be independent risk factors for deep infection.ConclusionsThe rate of deep infection remains high after operative fixation of tibial plateau fractures. Patients with risk factors for infection should be counseled on the possibility of reoperation, and surgeons should consider MRSA prophylaxis in those patients who are at higher risk.     

Standard versus customised locking plates for fixation of schatzker ii tibial plateau fractures

Aim3D-printed implants could improve the capture of fracture fragments for improved stability of tibial plateau fracture fixation. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical strength of fixation constructs using standard and customised 3D-printed proximal tibial locking plates for fixation of tibial plateau fractures.MethodsThis is a biomechanical study utilising six pairs of cadaveric tibiae. Fractures were created in an identical fashion using an osteotome and mallet, and fixed using either a standard, commercially-available proximal tibia locking plate or a customised 3D-printed plate. Design and production of the customised plates followed a “3D printing at point-of-care” model. Customised stainless steel 316 L plates were produced within a local additive manufacturing laboratory based upon pre-operative CT scans. Determination of implant choice within each cadaver pair was performed via simple randomisation. Following fracture fixation, the tibiae were skeletalised and biomechanically tested using a customised loading jig and a size-matched femoral knee prosthesis. The constructs were loaded cyclically from 100 N to approximately three times the cadaveric body-weight at 5 Hz for 10 000 cycles. Every 1000 cycles, the test was paused and the tibia was physically checked for failure. If failure had not occurred by the end of the testing cycle, the construct was loaded to failure and the load at which the construct failed was noted.ResultsFixation constructs using the 3D-printed plates performed comparably to those using the standard plates. There was no significant difference in the degree of fracture fragment displacement in both constructs. Overall longitudinal construct stiffness and load to failure was higher in the 3D-plates group but this did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionProduction of customised plates for proximal tibia fractures at point-of-care is feasible, however fixation constructs with these plates did not provide any biomechanical advantage over standard plates in terms of axial loading stiffness.     

膝前正中加后内侧入路联合三柱钢板内固定治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折

目的 ：探讨膝前正中加后内侧入路联合三柱钢板内固定治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折的手术方法及临床疗效。方法：自2010年1月至2012年12月,采用膝前正中加后内侧入路联合三柱钢板内固定治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折28例。男17例,女11例;年龄28~64岁,平均45.3岁;左侧12例,右侧16例。按Schatzker分型：Ⅴ型12例,Ⅵ型16例。三柱分型：均为涉及三柱。受伤至手术时间6~15 d,平均9.4 d。术前主要临床症状为膝关节肿胀、畸形及活动受限,X线及CT检查均提示复杂性胫骨平台骨折胫骨平台三柱均涉及。术后随访骨折愈合时间,术后1年按照美国特种外科医院膝关节评分（HSS评分）评价临床疗效,比较术后即刻及术后1年胫骨平台内翻角、后倾角、股胫角等力学指标的变化。结果：术后切口均甲级愈合,未发现切口感染及皮肤坏死等并发症。28例术后均获随访,时间12~24个月,平均18.1个月。骨折愈合时间5~10个月,平均7.8个月。骨折愈合后患者膝关节肿痛消退,关节功能基本恢复正常。HSS评分：疼痛27.81±2.17,功能19.52±2.05,活动范围15.82±1.73,肌力8.51±1.32,屈曲畸形8.33±1.08,关节稳定性9.36±0.52,总分89.35±3.19;优20例,良5例,中2例,差1例。术后与术后1年胫骨平台内翻角、后倾角、股胫角比较差异均无统计学意义。结论：采用膝前正中加后内侧入路联合三柱钢板内固定治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折可达到解剖复位、坚强固定及早期功能锻炼的目的,是一种行之有效的手术治疗方法。     

Reinforcement strategy for lateral rafting plate fixation in posterolateral column fractures of the tibial plateau: The magic screw technique

BackgroundA posterolateral column fracture of the tibial plateau (PLCF) is not uncommon, especially lateral and bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. Currently, there is no consensus on the methods of surgical treatment for PLCF, including the surgical approach or the fixation strategy. Though various posterior approaches have been explored and can allow posterior buttress plate fixation, the necessity of a posterior approach with fixation for PLCFs is increasingly questioned. Meanwhile, there is no literature to analyse the morphological features of PLCFs. None of the available surgical techniques can solve all of the problems of PLCFs.MethodsFrom February 2016 to June 2016, an inconsecutive series of 16 patients who suffered Schatzker type II tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral column were selected based on an analysis of the morphological characteristics of PLCFs. The patients were all treated by lateral rafting plate fixation with magic screw implantation through the extended lateral approach.ResultsAccording to PLCF morphology, 4 patients had mild slope-type depression fractures (MSDF) of the articular surface, and the other 12 patients had block-type splitting fractures (BSF). After a 12-month follow-up period, there were no complications related to the fixation technique and no significant changes in limb alignment. At the final follow-up, the average range of motion (ROM) of the affected knees was 2.3°−125°, and the average HSS score was 94.2.ConclusionsThe selected patients who suffered Schatzker type II fractures involving the posterolateral column could be successfully treated via lateral rafting plate fixation with the magic screw technique. For PLCF treatment, magic screw fixation is a valuable technique that may reduce the utilization of posterior approaches and posterior fixations.     

复杂胫骨平台骨折2种手术治疗方法的比较分析

目的比较双切口双钢板内固定术与膝前正中切口锁定钢板内固定术治疗SchatzkerⅤ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折的手术效果。方法 76例SchatzkerⅤ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折采用膝前正中切口锁定钢板内固定术治疗38例（A组）,采用双切口双钢板内固定术治疗38例（B组）。比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间、术后至开始负重时间、骨折愈合时间、胫骨平台内翻角（TPA）、胫骨平台内侧后倾角（PSA）、并发症及末次随访时Rasmussen膝关节功能评分。结果 B组手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间、术后至开始负重时间少于A组,B组术后TPA、PSA小于A组,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;但2组骨折愈合时间比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。B组出现钉道感染、关节强直、膝内翻畸形、骨折延迟愈合的患者较A组少,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;2组切口感染、皮肤坏死、内固定松动断裂、膝关节不稳、骨坏死及骨折不愈合并发症比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。末次随访时Rasmussen膝关节功能评分：A组优5例,良16例,可10例,差7例,优良率55.3%;B组优14例,良15例,可6例,差3例,优良率76.3%;B组Rasmussen膝关节功能评分优于A组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论对于SchatzkerⅤ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折,双切口双钢板内固定术手术时间短,治疗效果较好,并发症较少。     

内固定与外支架固定治疗复杂性胫骨平台骨折的对比研究

目的比较单纯内固定与有限内固定加外固定支架治疗复杂性胫骨平台骨折的效果及优缺点。方法2002年7月-2006年8月，收治复杂性胫骨平台骨折66例，分成内固定组和外固定支架组。内固定组39例，其中男25例，女14例；年龄18～79岁，平均45．4岁。按照Schatzker分型，Ⅳ型18例，Ⅴ型7例，Ⅵ型14例。外支架固定组27例，其中男18例，女9例；年龄18～64岁，平均44．2岁。按照Schatzker分型，Ⅳ型13例，Ⅴ型6例，Ⅵ型8例。两组一般资料比较差异均无统计学意义（P〉O．05）。按照内固定原则分别采用螺钉、钢板或外固定支架固定进行治疗。结果患者均获随访，随访时间1～5年，骨折均达临床愈合，无骨不连发生。内固定组2例出现局部皮肤感染、坏死，经换药、皮瓣移位后治愈；骨折愈合时间6～14个月，平均7．3个月：内固定取出时间6～15个月，平均8．3个月。外固定支架组11例于术后7d～3个月出现针道流液，局部皮肤发红，3例出现皮肤坏死，3例在随访中发现螺栓松动，经清创、换药、植皮等处理创面愈合；骨折愈合时间为3～11个月，平均5．1个月；拆除外支架时间为5～11个月，平均6．4个月。术后8～14个月，参照Merchant等标准评定膝关节功能，内固定组优29例，良4例，中5例，差1例；外固定支架组优20例，良3例，中2例，差2例；两组膝关节功能比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论单纯内固定与有限内固定加外固定支架治疗复杂性胫骨平台骨折的效果相当，对于SchatzkerⅣ、Ⅴ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折，应根据患者受伤情况、骨质条件选择固定材料。     

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.     

Outcomes after ORIF of Bicondylar Schatzker VI (AO type C) Tibial Plateau Fractures in an Elderly Population

BackgroundThe surgical management of bicondylar tibial plateau (BTP) fractures in elderly patients aims to restore knee stability while minimizing soft tissue complications. The purpose of this study was to compare injury characteristics and surgical outcomes after ORIF of BTP fractures (AO/OTA 41-C (Schatzker VI)) in young (< 50 years) versus elderly (> 65 years) patients.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from two American College of Surgeons (ACS) level I trauma centers. Inclusion criteria were: (1) age 18 years or older, (2) bicondylar tibial plateau fracture (AO/OTA 41-C or Schatzker VI), (3) treatment with ORIF, and (4) minimum of 6 months follow-up. Patients between 50 and 65 years of age were excluded. Data collection was performed by reviewing electronic medical records, operative reports, and radiology reports.ResultsWe identified 323 patients (61% male) with 327 BTP fractures and a median follow-up of 685 days. There were 230 young patients (71%) < 50 years and 93 elderly patients (29%) >6 5 years at time of presentation. Elderly patients were significantly more likely to have a low energy mechanism of injury (44.6 vs. 16.2%, p < 0.001), and present with diabetes (19.4 vs. 4.4%, p < 0.001) or coronary artery disease (12.9 vs. 1.3%, p < 0.001). Elderly patients were also significantly less likely to undergo staged management with initial knee-spanning external fixation followed by delayed ORIF (19.2 vs. 33.9%, p = 0.008). Elderly patients had a lower arc of motion at final follow-up (105 vs. 113°, p < 0.001) and reduced PROMIS-10 function scores (43.8 vs. 49.8, p = 0.013). No differences were observed in rates of superficial infection, deep infection, reoperation, or EQ-5D scores between age groups.ConclusionsThis is the largest study to compare injury characteristics and outcomes after ORIF of BTP fractures according to age. Elderly patients (age > 65 years) sustained BTP fractures by lower energy mechanisms than their younger counterparts with similar fracture patterns and were often managed with ORIF. The results of this study suggest that ORIF of BTP fractures in elderly patients is associated with similar complication rates and outcomes as in younger patients despite higher comorbidities and poorer bone quality in the elderly population.     

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。     

A comparative biomechanical study for complex tibial plateau fractures: Nailing and compression bolts versus modern and traditional plating

Aim

To compare the biomechanical properties of a newly proposed technique, utilizing intramedullary nailing and compression bolts, for the osteosynthesis of intra-articular proximal tibial fractures with meta–diaphyseal comminution, with modern and conventional plating techniques.

Methods

Fifteen left tibia 4th generation composite Sawbones models (in 3 groups of 5 for each technique) with identically reproduced type VI Schatzker tibial plateau fractures, including meta–diaphyseal dissociation, were used. Three different techniques of osteosynthesis were tested: (a) a new technique that combines intramedullary nailing and compression bolts, (b) internal fixation with a single lateral locking plate and (c) internal fixation with dual buttress plating technique. The model-device constructs were successively subjected to 500 N, 1000 N and 1500 N load levels with five cycles applied at each level on both articular compartments and a final load cycle to failure. Four parameters were recorded for each technique: the average reversible or irreversible displacement in vertical subsidence, the horizontal diastasis of the intra-articular fracture, the average passive construct stiffness and the load to failure.

Results

The new intramedullary nailing technique provided rigid intra-articular osteosynthesis being statistically similar to dual buttress plating for subsidence at medium and higher load levels. At the same time the proposed technique provided statistically equivalent stiffness values to the single lateral locking plate incarnating the rational of biologic fixation. Average load to failure was 1611 N for single lateral locking plates, 2197 N for intramedullary nailing and 4579 N for dual buttress plating. The single lateral locking plate technique had the worse results in interfragmentary displacement while dual buttress plating was superior in stiffness from the other 2 techniques. The mode of failure differed between techniques, with collapse of medial plateau occurring exclusively in the single lateral locking plates group.

Conclusion

The proposed new technique of intramedullary nailing and compression bolts demonstrates a flexural behaviour similar to single lateral locking plates, which complies with the terms and benefits of biological fixation, while at the same time maintains a rigid intra-articular stability similar to the stiff dual buttressing plating technique.