Arthroscopically-assisted Reduction and Fixation for the Lateral Tibial Condyle Fractures

Oh, Jeong Hwan; Kim, Seon Nam

Abstract

PURPOSE: Retrospective study was performed about arthroscopically-assisted reduction and internal fixation for the lateral tibial condyle fractures to evaluate the usefulness of arthroscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 1993 through December 1996, 36 patients with tibial plateau fractures were evaluated. After reviewing the records and radiologic studies, 22 patients were included in the study based on fracture patterns. Average follow up were 26 months, with a range of 12 to 45 months. Among the 22 cases, 16(72.7%) were male and 6 (27.3%) were female. Fourteen(72.6%) were caused by traffic accident(9 pedestrians, 5 passengers) and 7 were fall from a height. According to Schatzker classification, 9 cases (40.1%) were classified as cleavage with depression(type II), 5 cases(22.4%) of pure central depression(type III) and 8 cases(36.5%) of pure cleavage(type I). There were 24 cases of associated injuries in 16 patients, among which lateral meniscus tears was most common (37.5%). We used Porters criteria for the clinical evaluation and Blotters criteria.
RESULTS
By Porters criteria for the clinical evaluation, acceptable results were obtained in 20 cases (90.9%) in symptom, 21 cases(95.5%) in functional aspect and 22 cases(100%) in appearance and radiologic appearance. By Blotters criteria, satisfactory results were in 20 cases (90.9%).
CONCLUSION
Arthroscopically-assisted reduction and internal fixation should be considered one of the treatment of choice in selected tibial plateau fractures from many advantages.