Influence of intraoperative reduction quality on functional outcome and quality of life in treatment of tibial plafond fractures: a retrospective case-control study
Abstract Background The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of reduction quality, using intraoperative 3D imaging, on quality of life and functional outcome in the operative treatment of tibial plafond fractures. Methods A group of patients with tibial plafond fractures was postoperatively examined. The operative treatment was performed between September 2001 and October 2011 under reduction control using an intraoperative 3D C-arm. A categorization with regard to the type and the size of joint surface irregularities was carried out after intraoperative reduction. Postoperative results were evaluated using: Olerud and Molander (O & M) score, Short-Form-36 (SF-36) score, leg circumference, movement deficit, Kellgren and Lawrence grade of osteoarthritis, and pain intensity. Results 34 patients with osteosynthetically treated tibial plafond fracture could be re-examined. Reduction quality had the greatest influence on functional result measured by the O & M score (P=0.001) and the PCS domain of the SF-36 score (P=0.018). Significant differences with regard to O & M score (P=0.000), SF-36 score (P=0.001 to P=0.02; without MCS domain), circumferential difference below the knee joint gap (P=0.012), movement deficit (P=0.001), grade of osteoarthritis (P=0.005) and pain (P=0.001) could be verified under consideration of the reduction quality. The group with the preferred reduction also showed a better result for clinical follow-up and quality of life. Conclusions Despite other relevant factors, it appears that reduction quality - which can be analyzed with intraoperative 3D imaging - plays the most important role in postoperative quality of life and functional outcome.