Evaluation of functional outcome of tibial plateau fractures managed by different surgical modalities

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Background: </span></strong>Tibial plateau makes up one of the most important weight bearing surface. Its fractures are commonly faced entity encompassing a wide spectrum of injuries of variable fracture morphology. Due to in-crease in incidence of high velocity trauma and higher functional demands of patients, surgery is warranted in most of the cases. Although, there is advancement in fracture fixation methods, apt treatment of tibial plateau fractures still remains controversial.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Methods:</span></strong><span lang="EN-US"> In our series, we analyzed the functional outcomes of 58 of surgically treated tibial plateau fractures. Fractures were classified with Schatzker’s classification. Various fixation modalities of fixation were employed. Functional outcome was evaluated with modified Rasmussen’s criteria.<strong></strong></span></p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Results: </span></strong>Most of the patient’s belonged to younger age groups (58.62%) and males (79.31%) were predominately involved. Road traffic accidents were the most common etiological factor (70.69%). Schatzker types I (29.31%) and II (27.59%) were the most common observed fracture type. The majority of the patients had a complication free recovery (81.03%). Infection was reported in only one case (1.72%). Similarly, malunion was noticed in only in one case (1.72%). None of the patients had complications like nonunion or neurovascular damage. The functional outcome assessment according to Modified Rasmussen’s criteria at the end of 12 months showed the excellent functional outcome in 41 (70.68%), good in eight (13.79%), fair in five (10.34%) and poor in four (6.9%) patients.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Conclusions: </span></strong>Surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures is challenging, yet it helps in achieving excellent anatomical restoration and rigid fracture fixation enabling in the restoration of articular congruity and facilitation of early knee motion thus achieving optimal knee function.</p>