Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fractures Treated with Hybrid-Ring External Fixator

Oh, Chang Wug; Kyung, Hee Soo; Ihn, Joo Chul; Park, Byung Chul; Choi, Young Chul

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the indirect reduction or limited internal fixation with hybrid external fixation for bicondylar fractures of proximal tibia. MATERIALS & METHODS: Twenty-two cases (mean age; 49) proximal tibial fractures have been treated, including 7, type V and 15, type VI. After reconstruction of articular surface, the hybrid fixation was applied at the condyle and shaft with or without limited internal fixation by cannulated screw or one-third plate. We permitted early ROM exercise of knee and partial weight-bearing about 4 weeks after operation.
RESULTS
Time to union averaged 15.6 weeeks(range ; 11-20 weeks). There were 4 cases of nonunion including three cases of early bone graft for severe comminution and one infection. Functional scoring revealed 5 excellent, 12 good, 3 fair and 2 poor results. 18 out of 22 cases had good or excellent result in anatomical grading. The mean range of knee motion was 116 degrees(from 4.1 to 120 degrees). In complications, there were two cases of malunion, one deep infection, and one pin-site infection, but soft tissue compromise such as skin necrosis was not happened.
CONCLUSION
The indirect reduction or limited internal fixation with hybrid external fixation for bicondylar fractures of proximal tibia have advantages of anatomic, stable fixation, early mobilization and less soft tissue dissection, so good results of knee function can be accomplished.