Study on outcome of posteromedial buttress plating in proximal tibia fracture

Abstract

Introduction: Proximal tibia fractures having posteromedial (PM) fragment is very necessary to reduce, to maintain knee joint articular congruity, alignment and movement. Because of morphology of fracture, lateral locking plate may not be sufficient to hold posteromedial fragment, so we used posteromedial buttress plate for posteromedial fragment.Aims & Objectives: 1) To assess functional & radiological outcome and complication of posteromedial buttress palting. 2) To evaluate role of posteromedial buttress plating in preventing late collapse & subsequent varus deformity.Materials &Methods: This was a prospective case study carried out between Dec 21 to Dec 22 at SSGH, BARODA. 20 patients with schatzker type IV, V, VI having PM fragment included. They all were operated with posteromedial buttress plate. These patients were followed up at 2 week, 1 month, 3 month, 6 month & outcome was assessed according to rasmussen's radiological & functional scoring. Results: Excellent outcome was found in 70% patients, good outcome in 20% patients, fair outcome in 10% patients & no case of poor outcome. There were no case of loss of articular reduction or varus collapse. Conclusion: Posteromedial fragment in proximal tibia fracture is best managed by posteromedial buttress plate. Properly planned, rigid fixation with accurate anatomical reduction results in overall excellent outcome with low rate of complication.