Assessment of Functional Outcome of Bicolumnar Dual Plating for Bicondylar Fractures of Tibial Plateau

Introduction: Operative treatment of bicondylar fractures of tibial plateau is challenging and controversial. Aims: The aim of this study is to reveal the functional outcome of it by using bicolumnar dual plates and screws. Methods: This is a prospective hospital based interventional study carried out in the department of Orthopaedics of Nepalgunj Medical College Teaching Hospital. Thirty two Schatzker type V or AO (Association of Osteosynthesis) type 41 C1 & C2 fractures were treated between January 2016 and December 2019 with bicolumnar dual plating. The functional clinical outcomes were analyzed and evaluated using modified Rasmussen score. Results: Thirty two patients were included in the study. Out of which twenty four were male and eight were female. Average age was 32.21 years, eighteen were right sided and fourteen were left sided. Duration of surgery was 106 mins (range 90-120 mins) and the average duration of hospitalization was 7.81 days (range 4-14 days). Five patients of impending compartment syndrome and three patients with common peroneal nerve palsy were managed conservatively and also were included in the study. Two patients with superficial wound infection needed minimal debridement. One patient had varus angulation of 100 at third follow up after he fell from bed but surgical intervention were not needed. All fractures united. The average time for fracture healing was 21.5 weeks (range 16-32 weeks). At the Eighteen months follow up, the average knee range of motion was 1310(range 1100-1400). The functional outcome were evaluated using modified Rasmussen scoring system, which was 27.34 (range 22-30). Conclusion: Bicolumnar dual plating for bicondylar fractures of tibial plateau can provide excellent and stable fixation allowing early range of motion and gives excellent to good functional outcome.

Long-term outcomes of surgical treatment of patients with tibial plateau fractures repaired with Ilizarov external fixation

Introduction Fractures of the tibial plateau are classified by the location of the fracture line, associated capsular ligamentous injuries to the knee and can result from different types of high – or low-energy mechanisms of injury in patients of any age with different bone quality. These factors are responsible for different long-term functional outcomes and the lack of a generally accepted algorithm for diagnosis and treatment. The objective of the study was to analyze the long-term functional outcomes in patients with tibial plateau fractures treated with the Ilizarov external fixation. Material and methods The review included long-term outcomes of 59 patients with tibial plateau fractures treated with the Ilizarov external fixator. Long-term results were evaluated in 53 patients out of 59 (89.83 %) using a subjective and objective clinical assessment system.The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 4 years. Patients were requested to complete the Oxford Knee Score questionnaire used in subjective outcome. Results Knee joint function of patients with tibial plateau fractures treated with the Ilizarov external fixation were rated as satisfactory (n = 34; 64.15 %); 16 (30.19 %) and 3 (5.66 %) patients were diagnosed with mild and moderate gonarthrosis, respectively. No infection that would affect the outcome was recorded in the study group. The mean Oxford Knee Score was 43.06 ± 3.44 (SD) in Schatzker type I split fractures of the lateral femoral condyle; 40.50 ± 5.57 (SD) in Schatzker type II split fractures combined with lateral articular surface depression; 40.71 ± 4.27 (SD) in Schatzker type III depression fractures; 42.33 ± 4.22 (SD) in Schatzker type IV medial condylar fractures; 38.50 ± 7.19 (SD) in Schatzker type V bicondylar fractures and 37.50 ± 5.17 (SD) in Schatzker type VI bicondylar fractures with dissociation of the metaphysis and diaphysis. Conclusions Tibial plateau fractures can be treated with the Ilizarov external fixation and also with the use of screws at any point of time that allows closed or open reduction of the fracture to ensure the early function of the operated limb, stable bone fixation, control of the fixation stiffness at any stage of treatment facilitating good and excellent functional outcomes.

Treatment with Circular External Fixation of Bicondylar Tibial Fractures: Potential in Accurate Reduction and Efficacy on Functional Results

Surgical reconstruction of bicondylar tibial fractures with external fixation relies on indirect fracture reduction that could affect anatomical restoration. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of tibial bicondylar fractures treated with circular external fixation. A total of 20 bicondylar fractures of the proximal tibia in 20 patients treated with circular external fixation were included in the study. Two fractures were open. Mean clinical and radiographic follow-up was 37.3 months after frame removal. Angular, translation, and length deformities were assessed on nonweight-bearing anteroposterior, lateral, and two 45 degrees oblique views. The medial proximal tibia (MPTA) and posterior proximal tibia angles (PPTA) were calculated in all cases. The condylar widening was calculated in relation to the width of the femoral condyles. Joint depressions or gaps of the articular surface were identified on the four views of the knee. The modified Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee scoring system was used for clinical evaluation. The MPTA was good in 18 (90%) and fair in 2 patients (10%). The PPTA was good in 13 (65%), fair in 6 (30%), and poor in 1 patient (5%). The articular reduction was good in 12 (60%) and fair in 8 patients (40%). The condylar widening was good in 15 (75%) and fair in 5 patients (25%). Mechanical axis deviation was within the normal range in 11/12 patients (91.7%). All fractures consolidated. One deep infection was successfully treated with local debridement, the mean modified HSS knee score at the latest follow-up was 90.5 (range: 67–100). Articular reconstruction and tibia alignment based on radiographic evaluation in the present study, along with functional results compare favorably with those of external and internal fixation presented in the literature.