Popliteal artery occlusion concomitant with a tibial plateau fracture and posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture

Classification and morphology of hyperextension tibial plateau fracture

PURPOSE

This study was aimed at analyzing the incidence and characteristics of hyperextension tibial plateau fractures (HTPFs) by using a computed tomography (CT)-based "four-column and nine-segment" classification.

METHODS

In the coronal plane, HTPFs are divided into four types: pure hyperextension, hyperextension-varus, hyperextension-valgus, and hyperextension-bicondylar. Fractures in the sagittal plane were divided into three types: type 1, pure depression; type 2, cleavage extending to the posterior cortex with no displacement; and type 3, cleavage extending to the posterior cortex with a significant displacement. A retrospective analysis of CT images of the tibial plateau fractures from December 2007 to December 2021 was conducted. Fracture mapping was analyzed and drawn using the new classification system.

RESULTS

A total of 136 (10.9%, 136/1253) fractures fulfilled the radiographic criteria for HTPF pattern in 136 knees (53.5 ± 13.3 years). There were 11 knees with pure hyperextension fracture (8.1%), 23 with hyperextension-varus fracture (16.9%), 46 with hyperextension-valgus fracture (33.8%), and 56 with hyperextension-bicondylar fracture (41.2%) in the coronal plane. Furthermore, there were 64 (47.1%), 47 (34.6%), and 25 (18.4%) cases of type 1, type 2, and type 3 fractures, respectively, in the sagittal plane. In the three-dimensional heat map, the fracture lines were mainly located at the anterior rim of the tibial plateau, while the posterior articular surface was rarely involved.

CONCLUSIONS

The main manifestations of HTPF are anterior compression and posterior avulsion injury. The CT-based four-column and nine-segment classification system could be used to categorize the injury characteristics of HTPF in the coronal and sagittal planes.

The Correlation between Lower Extremity Fracture and Subsequent Arterial Embolism and Thrombosis-A National Population Cohort Study

The hazard of subsequent arterial embolism and thrombosis (SAET) in patients with lower leg fractures is not yet well demonstrated. The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between lower leg fracture and SAET in Taiwan. A total of 134,844 patients with lower leg fractures (ICD-9-CM: 823) and chronological diagnosis as SAET (ICD-9-CM: 444.22) was matched (1:1) to the non-fracture cohort according to their propensity score (data coming from the National Health Insurance database between January 2000 to December 2012). Patients were matched by age, gender, and comorbidities. The incidence of SAET and correlation between SAET development and lower leg fracture was statistically analyzed, and subgroup analysis categorized by characteristics and comorbidities was conducted as well. The cumulative incidence of SAET was calculated by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Kaplan–Meier analysis plot showed that, by the end of the ten-year follow-up period, the cumulative incidence of SAET was significantly higher for the lower leg fracture cohort than for the non-fracture cohort (log-rank test: p < 0.001). The lower leg fracture, male, elder age (45–64-year-old; ≥65-year-old), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and gout were significantly associated with lower extremity SAET risk compared with the matched group. There was an inseparable correlation between the lower leg fracture group and the risks of SAET; subgroup analysis by gender (male, female), age (age < 40 years, age 40–64 years, and age > 65 years) and comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and gout) show compatible results as well. Patients with lower leg fracture have a significantly increased risk of SAET since then two years after the fracture. The hazard of SAET was significantly higher in patients with lower leg fracture than in the non-fracture cohort, and the high incidence was found since then two years after fracture. Further studies are warranted.

Popliteal Artery Entrapment within a Tibial Plateau Fracture: A Case Report

CASE

Tibial plateau fractures can be associated with arterial injuries or dysvascular limbs, particularly in settings of trauma. Dysvascular limb in the setting of fracture is commonly due to dissection of the artery. Entrapment of the artery within the fracture is rare. We report a 48-year-old man who presented with left popliteal entrapment within a left tibial plateau fracture status-post external fixation and stent placement in the popliteal artery.

CONCLUSION

Findings from this case highlight entrapment of an artery as a mechanism of a dysvascular limb in the setting of high-energy lower-extremity fractures and specifically for tibial plateau fractures.