Percutaneous screw fixation of tibial plateau fractures

Split-Depressed Lateral Tibial Plateau Fractures: A Comparison of Augmented Percutaneous Screws Versus Augmented Plate and Screw Construct in a Cadaveric Model

OBJECTIVES

To compare the strength of fixation of percutaneous screw versus plate/screw fixation in a paired cadaver model of OTA 41-B3 (Schatzker type II) split-depression fractures of the lateral tibial plateau.

METHODS

Six matched pairs of cadaveric knees were acquired. An OTA 41-B3 (Schatzker type II) split-depression fracture was created in all specimens using a standardized method. One specimen from each matched pair of knees was fixed with percutaneous screws, and the other was fixed with a plate/screw construct. All specimens underwent augmentation of the central metaphyseal defect with calcium phosphate. Mean residual displacement (depression) was measured on thin-slice high-resolution computed tomography using a standardized methodology following 3 experimental conditions: (1) after they were fixed, before loading; (2) unloaded cycling (simulating postoperative range of motion exercises); and (3) loaded cycling (simulating postoperative weight-bearing). Load to failure was also compared.

RESULTS

After adjustment for baseline measurements, there was no significant difference in mean residual depression of the lateral tibial plateau between treatments groups after unloaded or loaded cyclic testing. Mean residual depression was less than 1 mm in both the treatment groups. Load to failure was statistically equivalent between treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In our cadaveric study, in combination with calcium phosphate augmentation for both methods, percutaneous screw fixation conferred comparable strength of fixation compared with plate/screw constructs for treatment of OTA 41-B3 (Schatzker type II) tibial plateau fractures.

Percutaneous Reduction and Internal Fixation for Monocondylar Fractures of Tibial Plateau: A Systematic Review

Instead of extensive dissection of soft tissue around the fracture site, percutaneous techniques have unique advantages in managing displaced fragments, including preservation of soft tissues, less blood loss, lower risk of complications, and earlier functional rehabilitation. However, there are few systematic reviews on the effects of percutaneous reduction and internal fixation (PRIF) for tibial plateau fractures. A systematic search of Cochrane, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases was performed for all publicly available data in March 2017 regarding the use of PRIF in treating monocondylar tibial plateau fractures. Basic information of included articles, surgical information, clinical outcomes, and concomitant soft tissue injuries were collected for analysis. Finally, a total of 20 articles including 561 patients were retrieved. Traffic accident was the most common cause of injury. Percutaneous techniques using bone tamp reduction were described in all studies. The majority (≥85%) of patients were classified as excellent or good according to clinical and radiological Rasmussen scores. The overall complication rate was 6.6%, with loss of reduction the most frequent complication with an incidence of 2.4%. This systematic review indicated that PRIF was an optimal alternative that physicians should consider for the treatment of monocondylar tibial plateau fractures.

Characteristics of postoperative weight bearing and management protocols for tibial plateau fractures: Findings from a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To identify and describe the characteristics of existing practices for postoperative weight bearing and management of tibial plateau fractures (TPFs), identify gaps in the literature, and inform the design of future research.

METHODS

Seven electronic databases and clinical trial registers were searched from inception until November 17th 2016. Studies were included if they reported on the surgical management of TPFs, had a mean follow-up time of ≥1year and provided data on postoperative management protocols. Data were extracted and synthesized according to study demographics, patient characteristics and postoperative management (weight bearing regimes, immobilisation devices, exercises and complications).

RESULTS

124 studies were included involving 5156 patients with TPFs. The mean age across studies was 45.1 years (range 20.8-72; 60% male), with a mean follow-up of 34.9 months (range 12-264). The most frequent fracture types were AO/OTA classification 41-B3 (29.5%) and C3 (25%). The most commonly reported non-weight bearing time after surgery was 4-6 weeks (39% of studies), with a further 4-6 weeks of partial weight bearing (51% of studies), resulting in 9-12 weeks before full weight bearing status was recommended (55% of studies). Loading recommendations for initial weight bearing were most commonly toe-touch/<10kg (28%), 10kg-20kg (33%) and progressive (39%). Time to full weight bearing was positively correlated with the proportion of fractures of AO/OTA type C (r=0.465, p=0.029) and Schatzker type IV-VI (r=0.614, p<0.001). Similar rates of rigid (47%) and hinged braces were reported (58%), most frequently for 3-6 weeks (43% of studies). Complication rates averaged 2% of patients (range 0-26%) for abnormal varus/valgus and 1% (range 0-22%) for non-union or delayed union.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative rehabilitation for TPFs most commonly involves significant non-weight bearing time before full weight bearing is recommended at 9-12 weeks. Partial weight bearing protocols and brace use were varied. Type of rehabilitation may be an important factor influencing recovery, with future high quality prospective studies required to determine the impact of different protocols on clinical and radiological outcomes.

Biomechanical evaluation of interfragmentary compression at tibia plateau fractures in vitro using different fixation techniques: a CONSORT-compliant article

Reliable osteosynthesis of intraarticular fractures depends on lasting interfragmentary compression. Its amount differs in the applied fixation method. The interfragmentary compression of cancellous and cortical lag screws and angle stable locking plates was quantified in an osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic synthetic human bone model.A split fracture of the lateral tibia plateau (AO/OTA type 41-B1.1) was mimicked by an osteotomy in right adult synthetic human tibiae with hard or soft cancellous bone. Specimens were fixed with either two 6.5 mm cancellous, four 3.5 mm cortical lag screws, or 3.5 mm LCP proximal lateral tibia plate preliminary compresed by a reduction clamp (n = 5 per group). A pressure sensor film was used to register the interfragmentary compression. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc correction was performed for statistical analysis (p < 0.05).Interfragmentary compression under reduction clamp was 0.59 ± 0.12 MPa in the non-osteoporotic and 0.55 ± 0.14 MPa in the osteoporotic group. The locking plate itself maintained the compression in non-osteoporotic (0.53 ± 0.11 MPa) and osteoporotic bone (0.50 ± 0.14 MPa). Four 3.5 mm cortical lag screws provided a compression of 1.69 ± 0.65 MPa in non-osteoporotic bone, being not significantly different to the osteoporotic bone group (1.43 ± 0.47 MPa, P = 1.0). Two 6.5 mm cancellous lag screws showed a significantly higher compression in non-osteoporotic (2.1 ± 0.59 MPa) compared to osteoporotic (0.77 ± 0.21 MPa, P < 0.01) bone.Angle stable locking plates maintained the compression preliminarily applied by a reduction clamp. Two 6.5 mm cancellous lag screws are especially suited for non-osteoporotic bone, whereas four 3.5 mm cortical screws exhibited comparable compression in both bone qualities.

Closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation for tibial plateau fractures

PURPOSE

To evaluate treatment outcomes of closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation for tibial plateau fractures.

METHODS

48 men and 8 women aged 19 to 61 (mean, 36) years underwent closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation for closed tibial plateau fractures with <5 mm depression. According to the Schatzker classification, patients were classified into type I (n=9), type II (n=22), type IV (n=5), and type V (n=20). Closed reduction was achieved using manual ligamentotaxis with traction in extension under image intensifier control. Reduction was fixed percutaneously with cancellous screws (6.5 mm) and washers. Functional outcome (pain, walking capacity, extension lag, range of motion, and stability) was evaluated using the Rasmussen score. A total score of 28 to 36 was considered as excellent, 20 to 27 as good, 10 to 20 as fair, and <10 as poor.

RESULTS

Patients were followed up for a mean of 2.8 (range, 1-4) years. The mean length of hospital stay was 5 (range, 2-15) days. All the fracture united radiographically after a mean of 3 (range, 2.5-4.2) months. Respectively in Schatzker types-I, -II, -IV, and -V fractures, outcomes were excellent in 6, 10, 2, and 2 patients, good in 2, 9, 3, and 14 patients, fair in 1, 3, 0, and 2 patients, and poor in 0, 0, 0, and 2 patients. Outcome was satisfactory (good-to-excellent) in 89%, 86%, 100%, and 80% of the respective fracture types of patients. The mean Rasmussen score was 25.7 for all patients; it was 27.7 for type I, 26.3 for type II, 28.6 for type IV, and 23.4 for type V fractures. The mean Rasmussen score was significantly lower in 12 patients with ligament injury than in 44 patients without ligament injury (19.8 vs. 27.3, p<0.001). No patient had any complication (infection, wound dehiscence or hardware problem).

CONCLUSION

Closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation for tibial plateau fractures is minimally invasive. It reduces the length of hospital stay and costs, enables early mobilisation with minimal instrumentation, and achieves satisfactory outcomes.

High energy tibial plateau fractures treated with hybrid external fixation

Management of high energy intra-articular fractures of the proximal tibia, associated with marked soft-tissue trauma, can be challenging, requiring the combination of accurate reduction and minimal invasive techniques. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether minimal intervention and hybrid external fixation of such fractures using the Orthofix system provide an acceptable treatment outcome with less complications. Between 2002 and 2006, 33 patients with a median ISS of 14.3 were admitted to our hospital, a level I trauma centre, with a bicondylar tibial plateau fracture. Five of them sustained an open fracture. All patients were treated with a hybrid external fixator. In 19 of them, minimal open reduction and stabilization, by means of cannulated screws, was performed. Mean follow-up was 27 months (range 24 to 36 months). Radiographic evidence of union was observed at 3.4 months (range 3 to 7 months). Time for union was different in patients with closed and grade I open fractures compared to patients with grade II and III open fractures. One non-union (septic) was observed (3.0%), requiring revision surgery. Pin track infection was observed in 3 patients (9.1%).

Compared to previously reported series of conventional open reduction and internal fixation, hybrid external fixation with or without open reduction and minimal internal fixation with the Orthofix system, was associated with satisfactory clinical and radiographic results and limited complications.

Tibial plateau fractures: A review

Tibial plateau fractures are uncommon injuries of the proximal tibia which vary in severity from minimally displaced stable injuries to high energy complex fractures with significant articular and metaphyseal comminution and severe associated soft tissue injuries. Following initial assessment and appropriate investigation a number of management options are available to the treating surgeon. We discuss the presentation, initial management and investigation as well as outlining the various treatment options with an emphasis on operative treatment. We further discuss the common complications and outcomes following tibial plateau fracture.

Innovations in osteosynthesis and fracture care

Over the years giant steps have been made in the evolution of fracture fixation and the overall clinical care of patients. Better understanding of the physiological response to injury, bone biology, biomechanics and implants has led to early mobilisation of patients. A significant reduction in complications during the pre-operative and post-operative phases has also been observed, producing better functional results. A number of innovations have contributed to these improved outcomes and this article reports on the advances made in osteosynthesis and fracture care.

Minimal internal fixation augmented by small wire transfixion frames for high-energy tibial plateau fractures

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcome of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated with minimal internal fixation augmented by small wire external fixation frames and to assess the necessity of bridging the knee joint by extending the external fixation to the distal femur.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 48 tibial plateau fractures. There were 40 (83.5%) Schatzker type VI fractures, 8 Schatzker type V fractures, and 18 (37.5%) fractures were open. A complex injury according to the Tscherne-Lobenhoffer classification was recorded in 30 (62.5%) patients. All fractures were treated with combined minimally invasive internal and external fixation. Closed reduction was achieved in 32 (66.6%) of the fractures. Extension of the external fixation to the distal femur was done in 30 (62.5%) fractures. Results were assessed according to the criteria of Honkonen-Jarvinen.

RESULTS

Follow-up ranged from 28 to 60 months with an average of 38 months. All fractures but 1 united at an average of 13.5 weeks (range 11-18 weeks). One patient developed an infected nonunion of the diaphyseal segment of his fracture. Thirty-nine (81%) patients achieved an excellent or good radiologic result. An excellent or good final clinical result was recorded in 36 patients (76%). Bridging the knee joint did not affect significantly the result (P < 0.418). No significant correlation was found between the type of fracture and the final score (P < 0.458).

CONCLUSIONS

Hybrid internal and external fixation combined with tibiofemoral extension of the fixation is an attractive treatment option for complex tibial plateau fractures.

Treatment of displaced bicondylar tibial plateau fractures (OTA-41C2&3) in patients older than 60 years of age

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the outcome (clinical, radiographic, and general health status) of the surgical treatment of displaced bicondylar tibial plateau fractures (OTA-41C) in patients >60 years old.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Limb reconstruction service, university teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Eleven consecutive patients >60 years old with a mean age of 72 years (range 60 to 90 years). The indications for surgery were displaced bicondylar tibial fractures, open fractures, and fractures with severe soft tissue injury.

INTERVENTION

All patients were treated according to a standard protocol, which involved limited articular reconstruction and percutaneous intrafragmentary screw fixation, followed by neutralization with a stable beam-loading external fixator and early mobilization.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The clinical outcome was assessed using Rasmussen's system and the Iowa knee score. For general health assessment, the anglicized SF-36 was used. Radiographic assessment was performed for redisplacement and angulation on digitized radiographs.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 38 months (range 18 to 51 months), bony union was achieved in all patients. Seven of 11 patients started full weight bearing 2 to 6 weeks postoperatively. According to Rasmussen's system, 9 of 11 (82%) scored satisfactory results. Radiographic redisplacement was found in three severely comminuted cases resulting in >/=10 degrees of valgus malunion. One patient received a corrective osteotomy while still in the fixator. Another needed TKA. Limited knee flexion was found in three patients with cross knee fixation. Superficial pin site infection occurred in five patients, but there were no cases of deep infections or septic arthritis.

CONCLUSIONS

All-ring external fixation, as a beam-loading system applied in a neutralizing mode, is a safe, stable, and reliable technique for the treatment of displaced bicondylar tibial plateau fractures in elderly patients.

Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures managed with the Sheffield Hybrid Fixator. Biomechanical study and operative technique

The two main challenges in the management of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures are: Firstly, the compromised skin and soft tissue envelope which invite a high rate of complications following attempted open reduction and dual plating. Secondly, poor bone quality and comminuted fracture patterns, which create difficulty in achieving stable fixation. Although dual plating is considered to be the best mechanical method of stabilizing these complex fractures, there remains concern regarding the high rate of complications associated with extensive soft tissue dissection, required for the insertion of these plates in an already compromised knee. The Sheffield Hybrid fixator (SHF) technique offers a solution to the two main problems of these difficult fractures by minimizing soft tissue dissection, since bone fragments are reduced and fixed percutaneously, and providing superior cancellous bone purchase with beam loading stabilization for comminuted fractures. Our biomechanical testing showed the SHF with four tensioned wires to be as strong as dual plating and able to provide adequate mechanical stability in the fixation of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. This was confirmed clinically by a prospective review of the use of the SHF at our centre, for managing complex and high-energy tibial plateau fractures with a good final outcome and no cases of deep infection or septic arthritis.

Percutaneous plating of the low energy unstable tibial plateau fractures: a new technique

We discuss the management of two low-energy unstable tibial plateau fractures in this report, and describe our new technique of percutaneous plating to stabilise these fractures. This minimally invasive surgery has the obvious advantages to the traditional open reduction and internal fixation and the non-operative management by plaster immobilisation. Stable fixation can be achieved by small fragment plates used in this technique allowing safe mobilisation. This novel method of internal fixation could be a useful inclusion in the armamentarium for the management of tibial plateau fractures and can be safely practised by an orthopaedic surgeon at a District General Hospital.

Closed reduction/percutaneous fixation of tibial plateau fractures: arthroscopic versus fluoroscopic control of reduction

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate arthroscopic versus fluoroscopic reduction and percutaneous fixation of lateral tibial plateau fractures of AO/OTA Types 41.B1 to 41.B3.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION

One hundred sixty-eight patients underwent operative treatment for a tibial plateau fracture from 1988 to 1995. Thirty-three of these patients had monocondylar fractures of the lateral plateau that were treated by percutaneous reduction and fixation techniques. In the first ten cases, arthroscopic control of reduction was used. The following twenty-three consecutive cases were treated by reduction and fixation solely under fluoroscopic control. The arthroscopy group was followed for a mean of fifty-two months and the fluoroscopy group for thirty-eight months.

RESULTS

Nine of ten cases of the arthroscopy group had an excellent or good result in Rasmussen's knee score at follow-up. One patient with an unreduced anterolateral depression zone despite arthroscopic surgery required a total knee prosthesis after eighteen months. Sixteen cases in the fluoroscopy group met the follow-up criteria. Fifteen were graded good or excellent in Rasmussen's clinical score; sixteen were excellent or good in the radiological score. One patient claimed chronic medial joint line pain after a lateral split fracture and had arthroscopy revealing chondral degeneration on the medial side but had no pathological findings in the lateral compartment. No secondary meniscus or ligament surgery was performed in the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous treatment of fractures of the tibial plateau can be performed using arthroscopy as well as image intensification to control reduction of the joint surface. We were not able to demonstrate any significant benefit from arthroscopy compared with fluoroscopic reduction. Reduction under image intensification is technically easier in our practice, especially in serial fractures and multiply injured patients. We reserve arthroscopy for cases with significant ligament injuries and for children with fractures of the median eminence.

Surgical management of tibial plateau fractures

From 1992 to 1996, 49 patients with 49 tibial plateau fractures underwent operative treatment at the First Orthopaedic Department of the General Hospital of Athens. There were 3 type I fractures, 12 type II, 5 type III, 9 type IV, 5 type V and 15 type VI according to Schatzker's classification. 7 of the type VI fractures were open (5 grade II and 2 grade IIIA). All fractures were managed with open reduction and internal fixation and were followed to complete healing which averaged 4 months. 28 patients had excellent results, 13 good, 6 fair and 2 poor results. The fair and poor results were in polytrauma patients and in patients with open (grade II and grade IIIA) type VI fractures. Open reduction and internal fixation, when not strongly contraindicated, was found to be the preferred treatment in displaced tibial plateau fractures.

Compartment syndrome of the leg after arthroscopic examination of a tibial plateau fracture. Case report and review of the literature

Increasing attention has been given to the role of arthroscopy in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures. Complications of arthroscopy are infrequent but are potentially severe. We present a case of acute compartment syndrome related to arthroscopic treatment of a tibial plateau fracture in an adolescent.

Tibial condylar fractures fixed with totally absorbable, self-reinforced polyglycolide screws. A preliminary report

Six patients with displaced split-depression-type tibial condylar fractures were treated with absorbable, self-reinforced polyglycolide screws. One patient underwent reoperation because of an unacceptable primary fracture reduction unrelated to the implant material. The others healed well, with good functional and anatomical results despite one slight redisplacement in a medial condylar fracture treated without plaster cast immobilisation. Absorbable polyglycolide screws seem to be suitable for the fixation of selected tibial condylar fractures. The implant removal operation is thus avoided.

External fixation and limited internal fixation for complex fractures of the tibial plateau

Twenty-one complex fractures of the tibial plateau in twenty patients were treated with closed reduction, interfragmental screw fixation of the articular fragments, and application of a unilateral half-pin external fixator. The average duration of external fixation was twelve weeks (range, three to twenty weeks). The fixator was left in situ until the fracture had united in all but two patients. All of the fractures healed. The complications with this technique were attributable primarily to the proximal half-pins of the external fixator. Seven patients needed antibiotics for an infection at a pin site, and two had septic arthritis that necessitated arthrotomy and débridement. The average duration of follow-up was thirty-eight months. The range of motion of nineteen of the twenty-one knees was at least a 115-degree arc. Laxity was evident in seven knees, but no patient complained of instability of the knee. Radiographs showed malalignment of more than 6 degrees in three knees compared with the normal, contralateral knee and evidence of post-traumatic osteoarthrosis in five knees. The Iowa knee score, determined for nineteen patients, averaged 87 points (range, 55 to 100 points). The SF-36 general health survey demonstrated that most patients had function close to that of age-matched controls. We concluded that external fixation with limited internal fixation is a satisfactory technique for the treatment of selected complex fractures of the tibial plateau.

Tibial plateau fractures: the arthroscopic option

Tibial plateau fractures remain one of the most difficult fractures to treat. A multitude of classifications exist and several treatment options have been advocated. In the last few years arthroscopy has been used in the treatment of these fractures. We report our experience of treating over 30 cases by this method and review the literature.