Functional outcome of proximal tibia fracture treated with bicondylar plating by dual approach-lobenhoffer and lateral approach

Abstract

Background: Proximal tibia fractures necessitates early diagnosis and management to prevent severe complications. The goal of treating proximal tibia fractures is to achieve anatomical reduction of articular surface and bring back the functional mobility to pre injury status. Lobenhoffer approach provides direct visualization of fracture, better reduction technique which helps to achieve anatomical reduction and alignment. Aim: To assess the reduction of proximal tibia fractures, radiological union and functional outcome associated with treatment by dual approach. Objectives 1. To assess the anatomical reduction of proximal tibia articular surface in fractures treated with internal fixation. 2. Assessment of radiological union of fractures after internal fixation by dual plating. 3. Assessment of clinical outcome associated with this approach. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 cases of bicondylar proximal tibia fractures were studied. Inclusion criteria 1. All skeletally mature patients with proximal tibia fractures Schatzker type V and VI aged between 18 and 65 years. 2. AO Muller type 41-C1,41-C2,41-C3.Exclusion criteria 1. Unicondylar tibial fractures. 2. Skeletally immature patients 3. Pathological proximal tibia fractures. Observation and Results: Our study used Honkonen and Jarvinen criteria for functional outcomes and showed good results. Conclusion: Early surgical management of proximal tibia fractures is necessary as tibial plateau can tolerate modest deformities. Lobenhoffer and lateral approach provides better visualization of fracture and aids in better surgical management of bicondylar proximal tibial fractures with dual plating and gives excellent anatomical reduction, maintenance of mechanical axis and hence a better functional outcome with effective rehabilitation.