Title
The posterior shearing tibial plateau fracture: treatment and results via a posterior approach
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation
Date
5-14-2005
Document Type
Article
Medical Subject Headings
Accidental Falls; Accidents, Traffic; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bone Plates; Bone Screws; Cohort Studies; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Humans; Injury Severity Score; Knee Injuries; Male; Menisci, Tibial; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Probability; Range of Motion, Articular; Recovery of Function; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Tibial Fractures; Treatment Outcome
Disciplines
Orthopedics | Rehabilitation and Therapy
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to describe the fracture patterns and early results of treatment of posterior shearing tibial plateau fractures.
DESIGN: Retrospective case series.
SETTING: Tertiary care hospital.
PATIENTS: Thirteen patients identified from prospective trauma database with posterior shearing tibial plateau fractures.
INTERVENTION: Open reduction and internal fixation through a posterior approach to the knee.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Functional outcome assessed by Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment score and Visual Analogue Scale pain scores. Clinical and radiographic outcome.
RESULTS: A consistent fracture pattern was identified with a primary, inferiorly displaced posteromedial shear fracture with variable amounts of lateral condylar impaction. The average duration of clinical patient follow-up was 20 (range, 13-27) months. All fractures healed after index surgery. Two complications (1 wound dehiscence and 1 flexion contracture) were all managed nonoperatively. Three independent surgeons graded patients' articular reduction, with good interobserver reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.82). The average Musculoskeletal Function Assessment dysfunction score for the 9 patients who responded was 19.5/100, and average resting Visual Analogue Scale pain score was 1.8 cm/10 cm, indicating good function. The functional outcome score was significantly related to the quality of articular reduction (P < 0.017, R = 0.456).
CONCLUSIONS: Posterior shearing tibial plateau fractures form a consistent pattern. They can be successfully managed using a posterior approach with direct reduction and buttress fixation of articular fragments. Quality of articular reduction is one factor that influences short-term functional outcome.
Rights and Permissions
Citation: J Orthop Trauma. 2005 May-Jun;19(5):305-10.