Classification Of Tibial Plateau Fractures Research Articles

Fixation of posteromedial fragment combined with anterolateral plating in bicondylar tibial plateau fractures

Background Three-column classification of tibial plateau fractures had addressed the problems of posteromedial fragment fractures; many authors have discussed the mechanical instability of that fragment. Consideration of specific fixation of this fragment in tibial plateau fracture had been discussed by many authors. The aim of our study was to evaluate the results of fixation of posteromedial fragment in bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. Patients and methods In all, 21 patients were included in this study. All of them had bicondylar fracture tibial plateau fractures, which involve the anterolateral column in conjunction with the posteromedial fragment of the tibial plateau as diagnosed by a computed tomography scan and a three-dimensional scan. All the patients had antigliding plate fixation for posteromedial fragment through the posteromedial approach and anterolateral plate fixation for anterolateral column fracture. Results All the patients had completed a minimum 1-year follow-up. All the patients had satisfactory outcomes according to Rasmussen’s clinical and radiological scores. Conclusion Fixation of the posteromedial fragment in tibial plateau fractures gives good outcomes as regards the stability and function

Intraobserver and Interobserver Reproducibility of Classifications of Tibial Plateau Fractures and the Surgical Approaches Chosen Comparing 2D CT and 3D Printing: Reliability Study

Reliability is the study of internal consistency, reproducibility (intraobserver and interobserver), and agreement. Reproducibility studies that classify tibial plateau fractures have used plain radiography and two-dimensional (2D) CT scans and three-dimensional (3D) printing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of the Luo Classification of tibial plateau factures and the surgical approaches chosen for these fractures based on 2D CT scans and 3D printing. A reliability study was performed at the Universidad Industrial de Santander, Colombia, that evaluated the reproducibility of the Luo Classification of tibial plateau fractures and the choice of surgical approaches based on 20 CT scans and 3D printing, with five evaluators. For the trauma surgeon, reproducibility was better when evaluating the classification using 3D printing, with a kappa of 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.93; P < 0.01) than when using CT scans, with a kappa of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.62-0.82; P < 0.01). When comparing the surgical decisions made by the fourth-year resident with those of the trauma surgeon, a fair reproducibility was obtained using CT, with a kappa of 0.34 (95% CI, 0.21-0.46; P < 0.01), which improved to substantial when using 3D printing, with a kappa of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.53-0.73; P < 0.01). This study found that 3D printing provided more information than CT and decreased measurement errors, thereby improving reproducibility, as shown by the higher kappa values that were obtained. The use of 3D printing and its usefulness are helpful to decision making when providing emergency trauma services to patients with intraarticular fractures such as those of the tibial plateau.

The influence of 3D printing on inter- and intrarater reliability on the classification of tibial plateau fractures

PurposeTibial plateau fractures continue to be a challenging task in clinical practice and current outcomes seem to provide the potential for further improvement. Especially presurgical understanding of the orientation of fracture lines and fracture severity is an essential key to sufficient surgical treatment. The object of this study was to evaluate the reliability of modern axial CT-based classification systems for tibial plateau fractures. In addition, the diagnostic-added value of 3D printing on the classification systems was investigated.Methods22 raters were asked to classify 22 tibial plateau fractures (11 AO B- and 11 AO C-fractures) with the AO, the 10-Segment and the Revisited Schatzker classification in a three-step evaluation: first only using CT scans, second with 3D volumetric reconstructions and last with 3D-printed fracture models. Inter- and intraobserver agreement and the subjective certainty were analyzed. Statistics were done using kappa values, percentage match and a univariant one-way analysis of variance.ResultsThe AO classifications interobserver percentage match and kappa values improved for all raters and recorded an overall value of 0.34, respectively, 43% for the 3D print. The 10-Segment classification interobserver agreement also improved with the 3D-printed models and scored an overall kappa value of 0.18 and a percentage match of 79%. Equally the Revisited Schatzker classification increased its values to 0.31 and 35%. The intraobserver agreement showed a moderate agreement for the AO (0.44) and Revisited Schatzker classification (0.42) whereas the 10-Segment classification showed a fair agreement (0.27). Additionally, the raters changed their classification in 36% of the cases after evaluating the fracture with the 3D-printed models and the subjective certainty regarding the decisions improved as categories of self-reliant diagnostic choices were selected 18% (p < 0.05) more often after using the 3D-printed models.ConclusionBased on the measured outcomes it was concluded that the new classification systems show an overall slight to fair reliability and the use of 3D printing proved to be beneficial for the preoperative diagnostics of tibial plateau fractures. The 10-Segment classification system showed the highest percentage match evaluation of all classification systems demonstrating its high clinical value across all levels of user experience.

Tibial plateau fractures: three dimensional fracture mapping and morphologic measurements

PurposeThe injury mechanisms and classifications of tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) are still controversial. The aim of this study is to show 3D fracture mapping of different types of tibial plateau fractures. Moreover, combined with Schatzker and ten-segment classification, we aimed to analyze the injury frequency and characteristics of different segments.MethodsIn total, 346 patients with TPFs treated at level I trauma centres from 2017 to 2021 were reviewed. The CT files of the included cases were typed and categorized. 3D reconstruction of TPFs patients’ CT files were performed using software. All fracture lines were superimposed on the standard model by the software to create TPFs 3D fracture mapping.ResultsThis study included 204 male and 142 female patients (average age, 47 years [range, 18 to 83 years]) with a tibial plateau fracture. Using the Schatzker classification, we found 39 type I (11.27%), 103 type II (29.77%), nine type III (2.60%), 71 type IV (20.52%), 52 type V (15.03%), 59 type VI (17.05%) fractures, and 13 others (3.76%). The density areas of fracture lines are mainly located in the ALC and PLC segments (74.3%, 69.1%). In different views, fracture lines of different Schatzker types showed distinct distribution characteristics.ConclusionsSchatzker classification combined with 3D fracture mapping provides a new presentation of tibial plateau fracture morphology. According to the 3D fracture mapping, different types of TPFs have distinctly different distribution characteristics of fracture lines. There are significant differences between different types of fracture injury segments.

Are 3D-printed Models of Tibial Plateau Fractures a Useful Addition to Understanding Fractures for Junior Surgeons?

Tibial plateau fractures are often complex, and they can be challenging to treat. Classifying fractures is often part of the treatment process, but intra- and interobserver reliability of fracture classification systems often is inadequate to the task, and classifications that lack reliability can mislead providers and result in harm to patients. Three-dimensionally (3D)-printed models might help in this regard, but whether that is the case for the classification of tibial plateau fractures, and whether the utility of such models might vary by the experience of the individual classifying the fractures, is unknown. (1) Does the overall interobserver agreement improve when fractures are classified with 3D-printed models compared with conventional radiology? (2) Does interobserver agreement vary among attending and consultant trauma surgeons, senior surgical residents, and junior surgical residents? (3) Do surgeons' and surgical residents' confidence and accuracy improve when tibial plateau fractures are classified with an additional 3D model compared with conventional radiology? Between 2012 and 2020, 113 patients with tibial plateau fractures were treated at a Level 1 trauma center. Forty-four patients were excluded based on the presence of bone diseases (such as osteoporosis) and the absence of a CT scan. To increase the chance to detect an improvement or deterioration and to prevent observers from losing focus during the classification, we decided to include 40 patients with tibial plateau fractures. Nine trauma surgeons, eight senior surgical residents, and eight junior surgical residents-none of whom underwent any study-specific pretraining-classified these fractures according to three often-used classification systems (Schatzker, OA/OTA, and the Luo three-column concept), with and without 3D-printed models, and they indicated their overall confidence on a 10-point Likert scale, with 0 meaning not confident at all and 10 absolutely certainty. To set the gold standard, a panel of three experienced trauma surgeons who had special expertise in knee surgery and 10 years to 25 years of experience in practice also classified the fractures until consensus was reached. The Fleiss kappa was used to determine interobserver agreement for fracture classification. Differences in confidence in assessing fractures with and without the 3D-printed model were compared using a paired t-test. Accuracy was calculated by comparing the participants' observations with the gold standard. The overall interobserver agreement improved minimally for fracture classification according to two of three classification systems (Schatzker: κconv = 0.514 versus κ3Dprint = 0.539; p = 0.005; AO/OTA:κconv = 0.359 versus κ3Dprint = 0.372; p = 0.03). However, none of the classification systems, even when used by our most experienced group of trauma surgeons, achieved more than moderate interobserver agreement, meaning that a large proportion of fractures were misclassified by at least one observer. Overall, there was no improvement in self-assessed confidence in classifying fractures or accuracy with 3D-printed models; confidence was high (about 7 points on a 10-point scale) as rated by all observers, despite moderate or worse accuracy and interobserver agreement. Although 3D-printed models minimally improved the overall interobserver agreement for two of three classification systems, none of the classification systems achieved more than moderate interobserver agreement. This suggests that even with 3D-printed models, many fractures would be misclassified, which could result in misleading communication, inaccurate prognostic assessments, unclear research, and incorrect treatment choices. Therefore, we cannot recommend the use of 3D-printed models in practice and research for classification of tibial plateau fractures. Level III, diagnostic study.

Inter- and Intra-observer Variation of Schatzker Classification of Tibial Plateau Fractures and Morphological Characteristics of Each Fracture Subtype on Computed Tomography Scan

Background: There is little information regarding inter- and intra-observer variation when classifying tibial plateau fractures using Schatzker classification system. There is paucity of literature regarding morphological characteristics of each Schatzker subtype on computerized tomography. Materials and Methods: Fifty-three patients (age 18–70 years) of either sex with fresh (&lt;3 weeks old), closed tibial plateau fracture were included after obtaining their informed consent. Patients with previous surgery around tibia or knee and the ones with pathological fractures were excluded from the study. Standard plain radiographs (anterior, posterior, and lateral views) and an additional noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan (with three-dimensional reconstruction) of knee and leg of the affected side were done. Five different surgeons classified these fractures as per Schatzker classification on two separate occasions. The intra- and inter-observer variations were calculated using the kappa test of Cohen. Additional morphological characteristics were also evaluated on CT scan. Results: The mean kappa values for five observers (A to E) for inter-observer agreement on Schatzker classification were 0.41 (moderate). The mean kappa value for intra-observer agreement was 0.71 (substantial). Six morphological characteristics were defined on CT scan-lateral condylar impaction (79.2%), tibial tuberosity fracture (3.8%), coronal plane (3.8%), tibial spine avulsion (22.6%), medial condylar impaction (17%), and posteromedial shear fracture (7.5%). Conclusion: There is inter- and intra-observer variation in Schatzker classification of tibial plateau fracture. The intra-observer variation (kappa 0.71) was found to be greater than the inter-observer variation (kappa 0.41). The additional morphological characteristics of tibial plateau fractures are better evaluated on CT scan. The articular depression, splits, and fracture geometry are better delineated on a CT scan than on plain X-rays alone.

The pivot fracture: an unusual tibial plateau fracture found in association with acute ACL injury.

Tibial plateau fractures are common fractures which are often associated with concurrent soft tissue injury and for which accurate preoperative diagnosis is important for development of an appropriate treatment plan and outcome prediction. Here, we present an extreme manifestation of the pivot shift phenomenon with an unusual tibial plateau fracture with flipped component not described by any existing tibial plateau fracture classification system and never reported previously in conjunction with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. We describe the utilization of advanced imaging not typically utilized in the management of tibial plateau fractures in combination with clinical suspicion to diagnose the associated soft tissue injuries and develop an appropriate management plan.

Three-Column Classification System for Tibial Plateau Fractures: What the Orthopedic Surgeon Wants to Know.

Recent orthopedic surgical literature emphasizes a three-column approach to understand and guide the treatment of tibial plateau fractures. This three-column classification system published in 2010 relies on preoperative CT images to depict injuries to the medial, lateral, and posterior columns of the tibial plateau and improves surgical outcomes in complex tibial plateau fractures with coronal fracture planes and posterior plateau fracture fragments requiring dorsal plating. Tibial plateau fracture classification systems traditionally used by radiologists and orthopedic surgeons, including the Schatzker and the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen-Orthopedic Trauma Association (AO-OTA) classification systems, rely on findings at anteroposterior radiography and lack the terminology to accurately characterize fractures in the coronal plane involving the posterior tibial plateau. Incorporating elements from the contemporary three-column classification system into radiology reports will enhance radiologists' descriptions of these injuries. It is essential for radiologists to understand the role of clinical assessment and the pertinent imaging findings taken into consideration by orthopedic surgeons in their management of these injuries. This understanding includes familiarity with injury patterns and how they relate to mechanism of injury, patient demographics, and underlying pertinent comorbidities. Evaluating findings on initial radiographs is the basis of tibial plateau fracture diagnosis. Additional information provided by preoperative cross-sectional imaging, including two-dimensional and three-dimensional CT and MRI in specific circumstances, aids in the identification of specific soft-tissue injuries and fracture morphologies that influence surgical management. These specific fracture morphologies and soft-tissue injuries should be identified and communicated to orthopedic surgeons for optimal patient management. Online DICOM image stacks are available for this article. ©RSNA, 2020.

“Out-in” position in the surgical treatment of three-column tibial plateau fractures: A technical note

Three-column classification of tibial plateau fractures is based on computerized tomography (CT) images, and the patients with three-column fractures can be treated with posteromedial combined with anterolateral approach in the floating position. However, there are certain disadvantages to operating in a "floating position". Therefore, we proposed an "out-in" position for those fractures. The patient is placed in supine position on the operating table, and the healthy hip is elevated. For the posteromedial approach, the affected limb should be placed on a rectangular fluoroscopy table and kept in abduction and external rotation (out); for the anterolateral approach, the affected limb is retracted into the operating bed and kept in neutral position (in).This position has been shown to be highly effective for easy operation as well as intraoperative image monitoring. Furthermore, it highlights the advantage of anterior-posterior joint fracture reduction.

Classification of tibial plateau fractures using 3DCT with and without subtraction of unfractured bones

BackgroundThe addition of 3D CT scans for observers evaluating tibial plateau fractures decreases agreement and diagnostic accuracy, possibly due to obstruction of the view by unfractured bones (i.e., patella, fibula, and femur) in 3D reconstructions. Questions/purposesThis study compared (1) the interobserver agreement between (subgroups of) observers classifying 3DCT reconstructions of tibial plateau fractures according to Schatzker, Luo, and AO/OTA, (2) recognition of different fracture characteristics, and (3) the level of confidence on a scale from 0 to 10 with and without subtraction of the unfractured bones. MethodsWe selected twenty consecutive 3DCT reconstructions of tibial plateau fractures treated in a level I trauma center between 2013 and 2014. Members of the Science of Variation Group were randomized (1:1) to evaluate reconstructions with or without subtraction of the unfractured bone. Forty-nine surgeons completed the survey. The interobserver agreement was determined using Fleiss’ kappa, and bootstrapping (resamples = 1000) was used to calculate the standard error, z statistic, and confidence intervals. ResultsOverall, subtraction of unfractured bones did not affect interobserver agreement in Schatzker, Luo, and AO/OTA classification systems, agreement on the presence of fracture characteristics, and level of confidence. In subgroup analysis, non-trauma surgeons had significantly higher agreement in the three classification systems with subtraction. For fracture characteristics, some subgroups had higher agreement while others had lower agreement with subtraction. DiscussionThe finding that agreement on classification of tibial plateau fractures is limited on 3DCT scan and is not improved by subtraction of unfractured bones suggests that disagreement may be based on variations in understanding and bias. Reliability of these classification systems might benefit from a focus on accounting for these pre-existing conceptualizations rather than further emphasis on imaging detail. Level of EvidenceDiagnostic, level 1.

3D mapping and classification of tibial plateau fractures.

AimsTibial plateau fractures (TPFs) are complex injuries around the knee caused by high- or low-energy trauma. In the present study, we aimed to define the distribution and frequency of TPF lines using a 3D mapping technique and analyze the rationalization of divisions employed by frequently used classifications.MethodsIn total, 759 adult patients with 766 affected knees were retrospectively reviewed. The TPF fragments on CT were multiplanar reconstructed, and virtually reduced to match a 3D model of the proximal tibia. 3D heat mapping was subsequently created by graphically superimposing all fracture lines onto a tibia template.ResultsThe cohort included 405 (53.4%) cases with left knee injuries, 347 (45.7%) cases with right knee injuries, and seven (0.9%) cases with bilateral injuries. On mapping, the hot zones of the fracture lines were mainly concentrated around the anterior cruciate ligament insertion, posterior cruciate ligament insertion, and the inner part of the lateral condyle that extended to the junctional zone between Gerdy’s tubercle and the tibial tubercle. Moreover, the cold zones were scattered in the posteromedial fragment, superior tibiofibular syndesmosis, Gerdy’s tubercle, and tibial tubercle. TPFs with different Orthopaedic Trauma Association/AO Foundation (OTA/AO) subtypes showed peculiar characteristics.ConclusionTPFs occurred more frequently in the lateral and intermedial column than in the medial column. Fracture lines of tibial plateau occur frequently in the transition zone with marked changes in cortical thickness. According to 3D mapping, the four-column and nine-segment classification had a high degree of matching as compared to the frequently used classifications.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(6):258–267.

Classifications in Brief: The Schenck Classification of Knee Dislocations.

Classifications in Brief: The Schenck Classification of Knee Dislocations.

CT classifications of tibial plateau fractures

Current classifications of tibial plateau fractures include three-pillar classification, four-quadrant classification, eight-segment classification, ten-segment classification, and four-column & nine-segment classification. This article reviews the various CT classifications of tibial plateau fractures, their advantages and disadvantages and surgical approaches as well. The essence of the CT classifications is to pay more attention to the coronary fracture line, especially the posterior coronal fracture fragments. A classification which combines the four-quadrant idea of the articular surface of the tibial plateau with the four-column idea of the peripheral cortex of the tibial plateau, and is supplemented by descriptions of non-articular surface structures (intercondylar spine, tibial tubercle and fibula head), may provide a more comprehensive understanding of a specific tibial plateau fracture, but may therefore be too complicated and difficult to use clinically due to too many combinations that need matching. Key words: Tibial plateau; Fracture; Classification; CT

The use of three-dimensional models in tibial plateau fractures

Background: To compare three-dimensional (3D) printed models with 3D computed tomography (CT) images in terms of the reliability of the classification of tibial plateau fractures using the Hohl and Moore and the Schatzker classification systems, and whether there was any influence on surgical management. Method: The sample comprised the 20 CT scans of patients with tibial plateau fractures available in the radiology archive of Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (Ga-Rankuwa). Standardised illustrated guides to the Schatzker and the Hohl and Moore classification systems were used by six observers of varying orthopaedic experience. They completed questionnaires individually in three different sessions. In session one the observers had access to the 3D CT images only. On average two to five days later, in session two the observers assessed only the 3D models. In the third session, another two-to-five days later, the observers assessed the 3D CT images while handling and inspecting the corresponding 3D model. Results: The inter-observer reliability of the Schatzker system (moderate reliability) was superior to the Hohl and Moore system (fair reliability) when comparing the assessment using the images and models separately. When all observations were combined, there was no difference between the systems. For the six possible surgical management options given to the observers, there was an overall difference in agreement based on assessing only the CT images compared with assessing only the models, of 19% (23 of the possible 120 procedures). Of these 23 differing procedures, 15 were more invasive. The 3D models were considered superior to 3D CT imaging in terms of spatial awareness and the observers’ ability to assess intra-articular fracture patterns. The models were assessed as being superior to the imaging when considering the ability to estimate the quantity of bone graft required. Conclusion: Although the inter-rater reliability of classification was not significantly improved, there were several advantages to using the 3D-printed models both separately from the CT images and together with the images. The effect of 3D models on patient outcome remains untested. The clinical impact of the use of 3D models (including cost, manufacturing time and radiation exposure) should be weighed against the potential benefits. Level of evidence: Level 4

Two column classification of tibial plateau fractures; description, clinical application and reliability

PurposeIn this era of life highly comminuted and multi planar tibial plateau fractures involving the posterior corners are more commonly seen and addressed in the literature than before. Among these several types have not been described in the currently used classification systems. In fact simple classification systems ignore several fracture types and leniently grouped the fractures with different mechanism, morphology, treatment modalities and prognosis in same category. On the other hand, more extensive nature classifications with detailed subdivisions are difficult to remember for clinicians. The clinical reliability of these classifications is another problem. All these issues demand the potential need of a new classification. The aim of this study was to describe a quadrant specific two column classification of tibial plateau fractures and to analyse its inter-observer and intra-observer reliability, clinical assessment and application. Materials and methodsFrom January 2009 to December 2015, 44 patients with tibial plateau fractures were studied retrospectively. The antero-posterior (AP), lateral X-rays and computed tomography (CT) with axial transverse, sagittal, coronal and three dimensional (3D) reconstruction images were performed for all the patients. All of the fractures were categorized according to quadrant specific two column classification and the traditional Schatzker’s classification. The comparative analysis for inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of the new classification and the Schatzker’s classification was conducted by four observers. ResultsThree cases didn’t match any type in the Schatzker’s classification. While on the other hand, all cases were classified by two column classification. The mean kappa values for inter-observer reliability by using the Schatzker’s classification was 0.723 (range, 0.674-0.823), representing substantial agreement, whereas the mean kappa value was 0.939 (range: 0.897-0.974), representing almost perfect agreement according to two column classification. The mean kappa values for intra-observer reliability using the Schatzker’s classification and two column classification were 0.789 (range: 0.590-0.864) and 0.955 (range:0.923-0.948) showing substantial agreement and almost perfect agreement. ConclusionThe quadrant specific two column classification is anatomically oriented, CT based and clinically valid. The different fracture types according to anatomic location are represented alphanumerically so that treatment matched to specific fracture type (quadrant specific anatomic fixation) for optimal outcomes. Furthermore, it demonstrates higher inter-observer and intra-observer reliability. This classification can be adopted to strengthen the traditional Schatzker’s classification, particularly in the multi planar and posteriorly extended plateau fractures. It can be used as a reliable research tool. The database can be used to distinguish different fracture types, individual type incidences, specific treatment and also prognosis. Authors suggest a large multi-centre study.

Multi-detector computed tomographic evaluation of tibial plateau fractures with review of Schatzker's classification of tibial plateau fractures

Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess the role of multi-detector computed tomographic (MDCT) evaluation of the tibial plateau fractures. Materials and Methods: Fifty-one patients with tibial plateau fractures were subjected to MDCT. The images were reconstructed via three-dimensional algorithms and maximum intensity projection and volume rendered technique reconstructions using syngo.via software (Siemens Healthcare, Germany). The fractures were classified according to Schatzker's Classification. Results: The most common type of tibial plateau fracture in the current study was found to be type I followed by type II and the least common being type V. Conclusion: MDCT helps in accurate classification of the tibial plateau fractures, which helps in selecting the best treatment modality for a particular class of tibial plateau fracture.

Intraobserver and interobserver reliability assessment of tibial plateau fracture classification systems.

This study aims to assess the intra- and interobserver reliability of commonly used tibial plateau fracture classification systems. This retrospective cohort study included computed tomography (CT) and plain radiographic images (lateral and anteroposterior X-rays) of 60 patients (40 males, 20 females; mean age 45.9 years; range 18 to 80 years) who presented to two orthopaedic clinics between January 2011 and January 2015 with unilateral tibial plateau fractures. All plain X-rays (XR) and CT images were evaluated by four observers on two separate occasions, 1.5 months apart. All fractures were classified according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen-Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO-OTA), Schatzker, Hohl and Moore, Luo and revised Duparc systems. Intraobserver reliability was measured with Cohen's kappa (κ) coefficient and interobserver reliability with Fleiss' kappa coefficient. When Schatzker classification was performed, interobserver reliability was in moderate level for (κ=0.51) for XR and in substantial level for CT (κ=0.61). When AO/OTA classification was used, interobserver reliability was in moderate level for both methods of diagnosis (κXR=0.43 and κCT=0.54, respectively). In the Hohl and Moore classification, the interobserver reliability was also moderate for both methods of diagnosis (κXR=0.45 and κCT=0.51, respectively). Revised Duparc classification showed the lowest interobserver reliability ranging from fair to moderate level (κXR=0.27-0.55 and κCT=0.44-0.61). Interobserver reliability for Luo classification was κCT=0.47. Intraobserver reliability for CT in Luo classification was in substantial level for observers 1, 2 and 3 (κCT=0.67-0.71) and in perfect level for observer 4 (κCT=0.84). Intraobserver reliability was in substantial level in Schatzker classification and in moderate level at the other classifications. Among the classification systems compared in this study, Schatzker was the most reliable particularly when CT was used. On the other hand, revised Duparc classification presented the worse reliability results due to its complexity and different morphological subtypes.

MODIFIED POSTEROLATERAL COUNTER-CURVED INCISION WITH DOUBLE INTERMUSCULAR APPROACH IN TREATING POSTEROLATERAL TIBIAL PLATEAU FRACTURES

To evaluate the effectiveness of the modified posterolateral counter-curved incision with double intermuscular approach for the treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures. A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 32 patients with posterolateral tibial plateau fractures between September 2012 and October 2014. There were 22 males and 10 females, aged 19 to 55 years (mean, 40.5 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident in 17 cases, falling from height in 9 cases, and falling in 6 cases. They had fresh closed fracture; injury to hospitalization time was 3 hours to 5 days (mean, 2 days). According to Schatzker tibial plateau fracture classification criteria, 20 cases were rated as type II, and 12 cases as type III. All patients underwent a modified posterolateral counter-curved incision with double intermuscular approach to expose tibial posterolateral condyle and anterolateral condyle. After a good visual control of fracture reduction, the anterolateral and posterolateral fractures were fixed with two-dimensional buttress plate respectively. The incisions healed at stage I, with no major neurovascular injury. According to radiological assessment of the DeCoster score, the results were excellent in 21 cases, and fair in 11 cases. All of the 32 patients were followed up 18 to 30 months (mean, 20.5 months). The X-ray films showed that all patients obtained good fracture union, and the mean time of fracture union was 12.3 weeks (range, 10-16 weeks). No fixation failure or no obvious loss of articular surface reduction was observed during follow-up. The range of motion of the affected knees was 2-135° (mean, 120°). The mean American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score was 90.05 (range, 83-96) at 18 months after operation. The modified posterolateral counter-curved incision with double intermuscular approach could fully expose posterolateral tibia plateau, and good fracture reduction and reliable fixation can be obtained under direct vision.

Intra-articular tibial plateau fracture characteristics according to the “Ten segment classification”

BackgroundCurrently existing classifications of tibial plateau fractures do not help to guide surgical strategy. Recently, a segment-based mapping of the tibial plateau has been introduced in order to address fractures with a fracture-specific surgical approach. The goal of the present study was to analyze incidence and fracture specifics according to a new 10-segment classification of the tibial plateau. MethodsA total of 242 patients with 246 affected knees were included (124 females, 118 males, mean age 51.9±16.1years). Fractures were classified according to the OTA/AO classification. Fracture pattern was analyzed with respect to a 10-segment classification based on CT imaging of the proximal tibial plateau 3cm below the articular surface. Results161 Patients suffered an OTA/AO type 41-B and 85 patients an OTA/AO type 41-C tibial plateau fracture. Females had an almost seven times higher risk to suffer a fracture due to low-energy trauma (OR 6.91, 95% CI (3.52, 13.54), p<0.001) than males. In 34% of the patients with affection of the medial tibial plateau, a fracture comminution, primarily due to low-energy trauma (p<0.001), was observed. In type B fractures, the postero-latero-lateral (65.2%), the antero-latero-lateral (64.6%) and the antero-latero-central (60.9%) segment were most frequently affected. Every second type C fracture showed an unique fracture line and zone of comminution. The tibial spine was typically involved (89.4%). A typical fracture pattern of high-energy trauma demonstrated a zone of comminution of the lateral plateau and a split fracture in the medial plateau. The most frequently affected segments were the postero-latero-central (85.9%), postero-central (84.7%), and antero-latero-central (78.8%) segment. ConclusionPosterior segments were the most frequently affected in OTA/AO type B and C fractures. Acknowledging the restricted visibility of posterior segments, whose reduction and fixation is crucial for long-term success, our findings implicate the use of posterior approaches more often in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures. Also, low-energy trauma was identified as an important cause for tibial plateau fractures.

Tibial locking multidirectional interlocking intramedullary nail for fractures of tibial plateau

Objective To observe the clinical effects of tibial locking multidirectional interlocking intramedullary nail(TLMIIN)for tibial plateau fractures. Methods 38 cases with closed tibial plateau fractures treated by TLMIIN from October 2008 to May 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 22 males and 16 females, with an average age of 48.7 years(range, 28-67 years). There were 24 fractures on the left side while the other 14 factures were on the right side, which were all fresh fractures. According to AO/OTA classification of tibial plateau fractures, there were 4 cases of B1, 1 case of B2, 14 cases of B3, 8 cases of C1, 5 cases of C2 and 6 cases of C3. Close reduction were performed on 4 cases(10.5% of all cases). Open reduction were performed on the other 34 cases. The limited incision was decided by the distribution of the fragments and fracture line. Hohl-Luck evaluation system was applied for the follow-up. Results The mean follow-up period was 18.1 months(range, 11-23 months). All fractures were healed at an average period of 87.4 days(range, 48-131 days). The average time from operation to full weight-bearing was 108.9 days(range, 80-128 days). Hohl-Luck evaluation system was used in the final follow-up. The excellent and good rate of functional score was 94.7%(36/38), including 28 cases excellent, 8 cases good and 2 cases fair from functional aspect. The excellent and good rate of radiological score was 84.2%(32/38), including 23 cases excellent, 9 cases good and 6 cases fair from radiological aspect. No complications such as infection, breakage and loosening of the screw, malunion, nonunion occurred at the time of the latest follow-up. 6 cases with serious swelling of the knee joint and the soft tissue of crus were cured by an-ticoagulation, dehydration and physiotherapy treatments after operation. The 2 cases with a little exudates and incrustation was bacterial cultured negative and healed after 16 days and 18 days on the incision. 1 case had lost of reduction due to weight-bearing 1 week after operation, who had 25 degree of varus deformity, which was left dispose, and the bone healing and joint function were unaffected. Conclusion The intramedullary support, restrictive and non-restrictive multidirectional tridimensional fixation of TLMIIN technology had satisfactory effects in treating plateau fractures. It can supply a new therapeutic method, with little damage of soft tissues when taking out the internal fixation and reduce some postoperative complications. Key words: Tibial fractures; Fracture fixation, intramedullary; Internal fixators; Treatment outcome