Complications associated with internal fixation of high-energy bicondylar tibial plateau fractures utilizing a two-incision technique

OBJECTIVES: Single incision open reduction and double plate fixation of complex tibial plateau fractures has been associated with high wound complication rates. Minimally invasive methods have been recommended to decrease the wound complication rates as compared with open techniques. Additionally, laterally applied fixed-angle devices appear to minimize late varus deformity without the need for additional medial stabilization. Accurate reduction of comminuted lateral and/or medial articular surfaces, however, often requires visualization through an open reduction. This study reports the complications, infection rate, and radiographic assessment of reduction associated with double plating complex AO/OTA 41-C3 tibial plateau fractures utilizing 2 incisions. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical review. SETTING: Urban level 1 university trauma center. PATIENTS: Over a 77-month period, 83 patients were treated for a complex bicondylar tibial plateau fracture at our institution utilizing a 2-incision technique. INTERVENTION: Dual plating using anterolateral and posteromedial incisions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Type and incidence of septic and non-septic complications and radiographic assessment of articular reduction and axial alignment. RESULTS: Eleven fractures were open (13.3%) and classified according to Gustilo as type II (1 patient), type III-A (7 patients), type III-B (2 patients), and type III-C (1 patient). Compartment syndrome was diagnosed and treated with fasciotomies in 12 patients (14.5%). The average time interval from injury to definitive surgical treatment was 9 days. Seven patients developed deep wound infections (8.4%). Three of these had an associated septic arthritis (3.6%). Clinical resolution of infection occurred after an average of 3.3 additional procedures. The presence of a dysvascular limb requiring vascular reconstruction was statistically associated with a deep wound infection (P = 0.006). Secondary procedures for complications included 13 patients who required removal of implants secondary to local discomfort, 5 patients who required a knee manipulation, 2 patients that were managed with excision of heterotopic ossification to improve knee motion, 1 patient that required an equinus contracture release, and 1 patient treated for a metadiaphyseal nonunion. Sixteen patients (19.3%) incurred deep venous thromboses. No patient was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. Sixty-two percent of patients demonstrated satisfactory articular reductions, 91% demonstrated satisfactory coronal alignment, 72% demonstrated satisfactory sagittal alignment, and 98% demonstrated satisfactory condylar width. CONCLUSIONS: Comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures can be successfully treated with open reduction and medial and lateral plate fixation using 2 incisions. Dysvascular limbs requiring vascular repair are at increased risk for deep sepsis. The use of 2 incisions, temporary spanning external fixation, and proper soft-tissue handling may contribute to a lower wound complication rate than previously reported.     

Open reduction and internal fixation of high-energy tibial plateau fractures

Proximal tibial articular fractures are caused by a variety of mechanisms and are characterized by numerous distinct fracture patterns. Surgical treatment for other than minimally displaced or nondisplaced fractures is recommended to restore joint congruity and limb alignment, and to allow early, stable, knee motion.     

External versus internal fixation for bicondylar tibial plateau fractures: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

It is uncertain whether external fixation or open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) is optimal for patients with bicondylar tibial plateau fractures.

Materials and methods

A systematic review using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase Classic, Embase, AMED, the Cochrane Library, Open Grey, Orthopaedic Proceedings, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Current Controlled Trials, US National Institute for Health Trials Registry, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The search was conducted on 3rd October 2014 and no language limits were applied. Inclusion criteria were all clinical study designs comparing external fixation with open reduction internal fixation of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. Studies of only one treatment modality were excluded, as were those that included unicondylar tibial plateau fractures. Treatment effects from studies reporting dichotomous outcomes were summarised using odds ratios. Continuous outcomes were converted to standardized mean differences to assess the treatment effect, and inverse variance methods used to combine data. A fixed effect model was used for meta-analyses.

Results

Patients undergoing external fixation were more likely to have returned to preinjury activities by six and twelve months (P = 0.030) but not at 24 months follow-up. However, external fixation was complicated by a greater number of infections (OR 2.59, 95 % CI 1.25–5.36, P = 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of deep infection, venous thromboembolism, compartment syndrome, or need for re-operation between the two groups.

Conclusion

Although external fixation and ORIF are associated with different complication profiles, both are acceptable strategies for managing bicondylar tibial plateau fractures.

Level of evidence

II.     

Outcomes of open bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated with Ilizarov external fixator with or without minimal internal fixation

This study was conducted to evaluate the outcome of treatment for open fractures of the tibial plateau using external circular fixation combined with or without limited internal fixation. Twenty-five patients (16 males and 9 females) with open fracture tibial plateau were treated with circular external fixator with minimal internal fixation. The mean age of the patients was 36 years (range between 23 and 62 years). According to AO classification system, there was six (24 %) C1, eleven (44 %) C2, and eight (32 %) C3. According to Gustilo and Anderson classification, seven (28 %) were grade 1; nine (36 %), grade 2; six (24 %), grade 3b; and three (12 %), grade 3c. According to ASAMI score, Italy, the results were excellent in 8 (32 %) cases, good in 12 (48 %) cases, and fair in five (20 %) patients. The patients’ satisfaction was significantly related to the functional results (p < 0.05). Complications included skin gaping in one case 10 days postoperatively. Pin tract infection was seen in 20 % of cases, one case showed deep infection and no cases of septic arthritis. There is no correlation between the final outcome and articular depression (p > 0.05). Ilizarov external fixator provides acceptable outcomes but with a high rate of complication rate, typical of this type of fracture. It avoids extensive soft tissue dissection.     

三钢板固定治疗复杂胫骨平台双髁四象限骨折的疗效分析

[目的]探讨通过联合入路用三钢板治疗复杂胫骨平台双髁四象限骨折的疗效。[方法]选取2010年1月~2013年2月本院收治的复杂胫骨平台双髁四象限骨折患者28例。根据Schatzker分型均为Ⅵ型,AO/OTA分型为41C2、C3型。男23例,女5例,年龄21~63岁,平均42.6岁。摆仰卧漂浮体位用三块钢板坚强固定,以钉-筏形式支撑关节面防止二次塌陷,取自体髂骨或人工骨填充植骨,术后应用影像学及Rasmussen膝关节量表进行功能评价。[结果]28例均获得随访,随访时间24~36个月,平均28.5个月。术后骨折均临床愈合,断端无移位,内固定物无松动、断裂、失效等并发症发生,无关节面塌陷,关节功能基本恢复正常。术后膝关节Rasmussen量表评价,优19例,良6例,可2例,差1例,优良率为89.3%。术后即刻胫骨平台内翻角(TPA)及胫骨平台后倾角(PA)度数与术后1年比较,组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。[结论]应用三钢板内固定治疗累及双髁四象限的复杂胫骨平台骨折,具备能解剖复位、牢靠固定及早期膝关节功能锻炼等优点,是一种有效、安全的方法。     

Combined plate and nail fixation of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures

IntroductionBicondylar tibial plateau fractures with meta-diaphyseal comminution commonly have a compromised soft tissue envelope. Combined plate-nail fixation is an emerging technique that utilizes a limited anterolateral approach for plate application and percutaneous incisions for placement of an intramedullary nail. This technique alleviates the need for a separate medial approach to the proximal tibia. We report a series of patients treated with this approach and outline the steps for implementation.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 18 consecutive patients treated with combination lateral locked plating and intramedullary nailing at a single academic institution from 2016 to 2019. Of these, 16 patients met inclusion criteria and were included in this study. All patients had AO/OTA type 41C2/C3 fractures. Primary outcomes included coronal plane and sagittal plane alignment at latest follow up, rate of articular subsidence at latest follow up, and rate of postoperative infection.ResultsOf the 16 patients included, average followup was 8.2 months (range 0.1-29.7 months). At latest follow-up, average coronal alignment ranged from 0.8±1.2 degrees of varus (maximum 4.0 degrees) to 1.4±1.7 degrees of valgus (maximum 4.0 degrees). Average sagittal alignment ranged from 0.8±1.1 degrees of procurvatum (maximum 3.0 degrees) to 0.6±1.2 degrees of recurvatum (maximum 4.0 degrees). There was no radiographic evidence of articular subsidence at latest follow up for any patient. One patient (5.9%) presented at 141 days postoperatively with a draining wound and infection.ConclusionsCombination plate-nail fixation is a viable option for treating patients with select bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with meta-diaphyseal comminution. This case series with short-term followup demonstrates acceptable radiographic and clinical outcomes, as well as rates of postoperative infection and implant removal similar to those currently reported in the literature for other techniques used to treat these fractures.     

Minimal internal fixation augmented by small wire transfixion frames for high-energy tibial plateau fractures

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated with minimal internal fixation augmented by small wire external fixation frames and to assess the necessity of bridging the knee joint by extending the external fixation to the distal femur. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 48 tibial plateau fractures. There were 40 (83.5%) Schatzker type VI fractures, 8 Schatzker type V fractures, and 18 (37.5%) fractures were open. A complex injury according to the Tscherne-Lobenhoffer classification was recorded in 30 (62.5%) patients. All fractures were treated with combined minimally invasive internal and external fixation. Closed reduction was achieved in 32 (66.6%) of the fractures. Extension of the external fixation to the distal femur was done in 30 (62.5%) fractures. Results were assessed according to the criteria of Honkonen-Jarvinen. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 28 to 60 months with an average of 38 months. All fractures but 1 united at an average of 13.5 weeks (range 11-18 weeks). One patient developed an infected nonunion of the diaphyseal segment of his fracture. Thirty-nine (81%) patients achieved an excellent or good radiologic result. An excellent or good final clinical result was recorded in 36 patients (76%). Bridging the knee joint did not affect significantly the result (P < 0.418). No significant correlation was found between the type of fracture and the final score (P < 0.458). CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid internal and external fixation combined with tibiofemoral extension of the fixation is an attractive treatment option for complex tibial plateau fractures.     

高能量胫骨平台骨折的处置

[目的]探讨高能量胫骨平台骨折的处置。[方法]本组对1998年1月～2003年6月收治高能量胫骨平台骨折46例的处理进行回顾性研究。[结果]43例术后随访1～4a，膝关节功能均基本恢复，据Merchant标准评分，优良率82．4％。[结论]高能量胫骨平台骨折应重视围手术期综合处理。术前对骨折的复杂程度及合并伤正确评估；术中必须考虑骨损伤和伴有软组织损害，如果不能进行完全切开复位内固定，可采取有限切开、间接复位、杂合固定，力求恢复关节功能，尽量维持正常的力轴线，确保关节稳定，术后早期密切观察患肢情况，加强膝关节早期功能锻炼，采取综合有效的对策，可使受损的膝关节功能达到最大程度恢复。     

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.     

Open reduction and internal fixation versus hybrid fixation for bicondylar/severe tibial plateau fractures: a systematic review of the literature

Introduction  Bicondylar/Schatzker 6 type tibial plateau fractures are a significant challenge to the trauma and orthopaedic surgeon. These injuries tend to be complex, high energy and are activated with significant morbidity. Two surgical methods are commonly in use: (1) hybrid external fixation or (2) internal fixation. We performed a systematic analysis of papers comparing these two techniques. Methods  The Medline database was used and the MeSH terms associated with bicondylar/severe tibial plateau fractures were inserted. Results  Forty-nine studies were retrieved but only five papers presented data to directly compare the two techniques as these studies actually compared the implants. Study designs and outcome measures were not consistent in all studies and therefore no direct comparison could be made between the papers. The first two studies were laboratory based and suggested that hybrid external fixation may have a benefit over internal fixation with respect to failure load and its use in compromised bone. Two further papers presented only type 4 evidence. The final paper was a multicentre randomised controlled trial and it demonstrated a marginal non-significant benefit of hybrid external fixation over internal fixation although there was suggestion of beta error [i.e. accepting the hypothesis when it is not true]. Conclusion  Bicondylar/Schatzker 6 type fractures are difficult to manage. The treatment of such fractures, need to pay specific attention to the soft tissue envelope around the knee. Hybrid external fixation has theoretical advantages in terms of the soft tissues but the benefit over internal fixation is modest at best and has not demonstrated improved outcome. Newer fixed angle screw and plate systems are increasingly in use and need comparative studies to determine their role in this complex group of fractures.     

Management of high-energy tibial plateau fractures by Ilizarov external fixator

Background

Despite the evolution of surgical techniques and implants, high energy tibial plateau fractures remain a challenging problem. The goals of treatment are to obtain a well-aligned stable joint with a painless functional range of motion and prevention of posttraumatic arthritis. Indirect reduction techniques and other soft tissue preservation methods safeguard the vascularity and emphasize restoring both joint congruity and the mechanical axis of the limb. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of using Ilizarov external fixator in the treatment of Schatzker type V–VI tibial plateau fracture.

Methods

This study was done during the period 2009–2011 for the treatment of 30 patients with high energy tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker type V in 17 and type VI in 13 patients) by Ilizarov external fixator. The mean age was 36 years .There were 23 males. The right limb was affected in 17 patients. There were 10 open fractures and other associated injuries in 9 patients.

Results

The mean of follow up period was 18 months. All the fractures were united in an average time of 15 weeks. There were pin track infection in 20 patients and other few complications in 8 patients. According to knee society score, there was an excellent result in 16.7 %, good in 60 %, fair in 20 %, and poor in 3.3 %.

Conclusion

Ilizarov external fixation is a safe and effective treatment option for high energy tibial plateau fractures with good functional results.     

胫骨平台后内侧骨折的内固定治疗

目的探讨钢板内固定治疗胫骨平台后内侧骨折的疗效。方法回顾性分析2008年8月至2012年6月在我院行钢板内固定治疗且获得随访的23例胫骨平台后内侧骨折患者的病例资料。所有病例均采用后内侧入路,行钢板内固定治疗,术后进行临床和影像学随访。结果 23例患者均获得随访,随访时间14.0~54.0个月,平均20.2个月。无患者发生血管、神经损伤、内固定松动、断裂等情况。所有骨折均获得愈合,愈合时间为14.0~27.0周,平均17.3周。患者的完全负重时间平均为术后18.2周。骨折愈合后,根据Rasmussen膝关节功能评分标准评定疗效:优15例,良5例,中3例,优良率为87.0%。结论胫骨平台后内侧骨折采用后内侧或内侧入路进行钢板内固定治疗,并发症少,疗效满意。     

Outcome of complex tibial plateau fractures with Ilizarov external fixation with or without minimal internal fixation

Purpose: To evaluate the clinico-radiological outcome of complex tibial plateau fractures treated with Ilizarov external fixation with or without minimal internal fixation. Methods: This retrospective review was conducted on all the cases of Schatzker types V and VI tibial plateau fractures treated by Ilizarov external fixation between July 2006 and December 2015 with the minimum follow-up duration of one year. There were 30 patients: 24 males and 6 females, mean age 43.33 years, and mean follow-up 3.6 years. Three of them were open fractures; 15 cases were Schatzkertype V fractures and the other 15 type VI. According to AO/OTA classification, there were 11 type C1, 12 C2 and 7 type C3 fractures. Outcome assessment was made with American Knee Society Score (AKSS) and Rasmussen''s Radiological Score (RRS) at final follow-up. Results: Out of the 30 cases, mini-open reduction was performed in 7, bone graft in 4, minimal internal fixation in 10 and knee temporary immobilisation in 11 patients. Mean duration of external fixation was 11.8 weeks. All fractures united. Pin tract infections in 7 and common peroneal neuropathy in 2 patients were self-limiting. Two patients had axial misalignment of less than 10 . At final follow-up, the mean knee range of motion was 114.7, mean AKSS 81.5 and mean RRS 16.7. On statistical analysis, Schatzker type of fractures, use of minimal internal fixation and knee-spanning did not influence the final outcome. Conclusion: Ilizarov external fixator with or without minimal internal fixation provides acceptable outcome for complex tibial plateau fractures. Care must be taken to look for minor loss of alignment, especially in Type VI Schatzker fractures after removal of the fixator. However small sample size precludes firm conclusions.     

混合式支架联合有限内固定治疗高能量胫骨平台骨折

胫骨平台骨折常合并严重软组织损伤,常规内固定治疗易发生术后并发症。自2005年1月至2007年8月选择混合式外固定支架联合有限内固定方法,治疗高能量胫骨平台骨折取得满意疗效。     

Posteromedial supine approach for reduction and fixation of medial and bicondylar tibial plateau fractures

Traditionally, both high- and low-energy tibial plateau fractures are classified on the basis of the anteroposterior (AP) plain radiograph. Several fracture types exist that are not included in currently used classification schemes, including posteromedial shear and coronal plane fractures. These fracture types can appear as isolated fracture lines or as a part of a bicondylar plateau fracture. The purpose of this study is to describe a posteromedial supine surgical approach and antiglide plating of the posteromedial fragment, either as a single approach for a unicondylar posteromedial fracture or in combination with a second lateral approach for bicondylar fractures. We have used this technique in 27 patients that had posteromedial shear fractures on preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans, in the setting of a Level I trauma center. Ten were isolated medial plateau fractures, and 17 had bicondylar fractures. Radiographic analysis was done for all patients, and clinical outcomes were available in 19 out of 27 patients through phone interviews and chart reviews. Mean follow-up was 3.5 years (range 1-12 years). Seventy-five percent of patients had anatomic or good reductions. The average Oxford knee score was 19.9 +/- 5.4 (12-29). Average range of motion was 0 to 120 (0-90 to 0-130). The articular malreduction (>5-mm gap or step-off) rate was 4%, and there were no wound complications. Posteromedial shear fractures of the tibial plateau are not uncommon. This pattern is assessable using the preoperative CT scan. A supine posteromedial approach with antiglide plating provides a good clinical solution for these complex injuries.     

内固定治疗胫骨平台骨折的疗效分析

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。方法回顾性分析本组收治的胫骨平台骨折患者74例。均为外伤后2周内的新鲜骨折,男58例,女16例,年龄16～72岁,平均46．3岁。合并膝关节韧带及半月板损伤共30例。骨折按Schatzker分类,I型9例,Ⅱ型42例,Ⅲ型8例,Ⅳ型5例,V型3例,Ⅵ型7例,根据骨折的类型采用不同的切口进行切开复位内固定治疗,骨缺损者同时予以植骨。结果72例患者均获得随访,随访期3～42个月,平均34个月,伞部骨性愈合。术后膝关节功能评价参照HSS评分标准：优51例,良12例,中9例,优良率为87．5％。结论内固定是治疗胫骨平台骨折的有效方法,手术方法根据骨折的不同类型而异,术后并发症的发生与骨折损伤程度、手术时机的选择和手术复位的质最密切相关。应尽肇争取早期解剖复位、骨缺损植骨、稳定固定和早期非负重功能锻炼。术前必须重视软组织损伤的评估。