Medial Tibial Plateau Fractures Research Articles

Schatzker IV tibial plateau fractures: are they always unicondylar?

The objectives of this study were to describe the incidence and morphology of medial tibial plateau fractures that extend into the lateral articular surface and to describe trends in their management. Retrospective. Level I Urban Trauma Center. Seventy consecutive patients sustaining OTA/AO 41 B1 and B3 fractures. Open reduction internal fixation of medial tibial plateau fractures. Incidence of medial tibial plateau fractures that extend into the lateral articular surface. Secondary outcomes include localization of lateral articular surface depression, neurovascular injury, and trends in surgical management. Seventy patients were included with 9 fractures (12.9%) isolated to the medial condyle (MC) and 61 fractures (87.1%) extending to the lateral condyle (LC). Compartment syndrome was present in 2 patients (2.9%), peroneal nerve palsy in 2 (2.9%), and arterial injury in 1 (1.4%). Initial external fixation was used more frequently in the LC group compared with the MC group (P = 0.028). Of the 61 fractures in the LC group, 49 (80.3%) included lateral articular surface depression which localized to the posteromedial quadrant of the lateral articular surface in 36 of 49 fractures (73.5%). Lateral articular surface depression depth ≥10.6 mm was associated with the use of dual incisions (P < 0.001). Schatzker IV fractures frequently extend to the lateral condyle and often present with depression of the posteromedial lateral articular surface. Fractures with lateral articular surface depression depth ≥10.6 mm were more likely to undergo fixation with dual incisions. Therapeutic level IV.

Outcomes of isolated medial tibial plateau fractures by fracture morphology

PurposeTo identify a cohort of isolated medial tibial plateau fractures treated with surgical fixation and to categorize them by Moore and Wahlquist classifications in order to determine the rate of complications with each fracture morphology and the predictive value of each classification system. We hypothesized there would be high rates of neurovascular injury, compartment syndrome, and complications overall with a higher incidence of neurovascular injury in Moore type III rim avulsion fractures and Wahlquist type C fractures that enter the plateau lateral to the tibial spines. MethodsPatients who presented to six Level I trauma centers between 2010 and 2021 who underwent surgical fixation for isolated medial tibial plateau fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Data including demographics, radiographs, complications, and functional outcomes were collected. ResultsOne hundred and fifty isolated medial tibial plateau fractures were included. All patients were classified by the Wahlquist classification of medial tibial plateau fractures, and 139 patients were classifiable by the Moore classification of tibial plateau fracture-dislocations. Nine percent of fractures presented with neurovascular injury: 5 % with isolated vascular injury and 6 % with isolated nerve injury. There were no significant differences in neurovascular injury by fracture type (Wahlquist p = 0.16, Moore p = 0.33). Compartment syndrome developed in two patients (1.3 %). The average final range of motion was 0.8–122° with no difference by Wahlquist or Moore classifications (p = 0.11, p = 0.52). The overall complication rate was 32 % without differences by fracture morphology. The overall rate of return to the operating room (OR) was 25 %. ConclusionsIsolated medial tibial plateau fractures often represent fracture-dislocations of the knee and should receive a meticulous neurovascular exam on presentation with a high suspicion for neurovascular injury. No specific fracture pattern was found to be predictive of neurovascular injuries, complications, or final knee range of motion. Patients should be counseled pre-operatively regarding high rates of return to the OR after the index surgery.

Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients Who Have Skeletal Dysplasia: A Center’s Experience With a Mean 9-Year Follow-Up

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients who have skeletal dysplasia (SD) is a technically challenging surgery due to deformity, joint contracture, and associated comorbidities. Patients presenting with this condition have traditionally been treated with conservative measures, leading to poor outcomes. The aim of this study was to follow-up on patients who had SD following TKA, specifically with regards to clinical outcomes. MethodsA total of 31 knees (22 patients) with SD that had undergone TKA in our institution were included in our study. The mean follow-up from index surgery was 110.3 months (range: 20 to 291). The type of dysplasia, implant used, and clinical outcomes with patient-reported outcome measures are presented. ResultsThere were 8 patients (36.3%) who had a diagnosis of achondroplasia, followed by multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (31.8%) and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (22.7%). There were 14 men and 8 women who had a mean age of 51 years (range: 28 to 73). Custom implants were required in 12 cases (38.7%), custom jigs were used in 6 cases (19.4%), and robotic-assisted surgery was used in 2 (6.5%) TKAs. Hinged prostheses were used in 17 cases (54.8%), posterior-stabilized in 9 (29.0%), and cruciate-retaining implants in 5 (16.1%). There was 1 patient who sustained an intraoperative medial tibial plateau fracture treated with concomitant open reduction and internal fixation. There was 1 revision that occurred during the follow-up period with a patella resurfacing for continued anterior knee pain. Postoperatively, Oxford Knee Scores improved on average by 12.2 points. The 10-year and 20-year all-cause revision-free survival was 96.8, respectively. ConclusionsDespite the technical challenges and complexity associated with this unique patient cohort, we demonstrated excellent implant survivorship and clinical outcomes post-TKA with mid-term to long-term follow-up of more than 20 years. We recommend preoperative cross-sectional imaging for precise planning and implant templating with multidisciplinary team decision-making. Despite our results, functional outcomes remain inferior to primary arthroplasty within the general population, although we still recommend this treatment modality to appropriately counseled patients. Level of EvidenceIII.

Biomechanical comparisons of plate placement for medial tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker type IV): A biomechanical study using porcine tibias

IntroductionBiomechanical studies on medial tibial plateau fractures (MTPFs) (Schatzker classification type IV) are currently few, while studies using locking plates (LPs) placed on medial proximal tibias are unavailable. Hence, we compared the biomechanical properties of plate osteosynthesis at the medial and anteromedial placements using large- and small-fragment LPs in porcine bones. Materials and MethodsMTPFs were internally fixed using LPs on 40 porcine tibias. Specimens were equally divided into four groups: medial placement using a large-fragment LP (LPs for the medial (LM) group), anteromedial placement using a large-fragment LP (LAM group), medial placement using a small-fragment LP (SM group), and anteromedial placement using a small-fragment LP (SAM group). The translation patterns of the constructs in each group were examined by cycling loading test (displacement and translation along the mechanical axis at 10–100, 100–500, 500–1000, 1000–1500, and 1500–2000 cycles). Then, articular gaps and step-off changes after 2000 cycles were compared among the four groups. ResultsOne-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no significant differences in displacement and translation during cyclic loading. One-way ANOVA followed by post hoc analysis revealed that the anterior gap was lower in LPs for the medial (LM) than in SM (P = 0.029) and SAM (P = 0.0026). The central gap was also lower in LM than in SM (P = 0.042) and SAM (P < 0.001), and it was lower in LAM than in SAM (P = 0.047). Likewise, the posterior gap was lower in LM than in LAM (P = 0.025) and SAM (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the central step-off of SAM was higher than that of LM, LAM, and SM (P < 0.001, P = 0.0014, and P = 0.0077, respectively). The posterior step-off was lower in LM than in SAM and LAM (P = 0.037 and P < 0.001), and it was also lower in SM than in SAM (P = 0.0082). ConclusionMedial LP placement for MTPFs in porcine bones resulted in significantly lower posterior step-offs after cyclic loading than anteromedial placement, and large-fragment LPs for MTPFs caused significantly lower fracture gaps in the central articular after cyclic loading than small-fragment LPs.

FTP1.6 Epidemiology of Medial Tibial Plateau Fractures and Factors Associated with its Outcomes

Abstract Background Medial tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) are reported to be difficult to treat and are subject to higher levels of postoperative complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of management of medial and bicondylar TPFs and determine the factors influencing its outcomes. Method 143 patients with TPFs were included in this study during a total period of 6 years. The groups were divided into medial TPFs (B-type) and bicondylar TPFs (Ctype), according to the AO/OTA Classification and Schatzker Type IV, V and VI classification. Patient information including basic demographics, duration of followup, mechanism of injury, comorbidities, management, and post-operative complications were included in this study. Analysis of this data was done to determine a correlation between the outcomes of both fracture groups. Results The mechanism of injury profile showed no significant difference with high energy trauma seen in 48% of B-type and 59% in C-type fractures. Age has no influence on the fracture outcomes. Most patients in both groups were mainly treated with ORIF. The incidence of infection, compartment syndrome and post-traumatic arthritis are higher in bicondylar TPFs compared to medial TPFs, with a similar number of patients with CPN Palsy in both groups. No significant difference was found between both fracture types in every aspect of patient information that was compared in this study. Conclusion The outcomes of medial TPFs are similar to bicondylar TPFs in terms of complication rates, even though one would generally assume medial TPFs to be less severe than bicondylar TPFs

Extension of the Medial Approach to the Tibial Plateau via an Osteotomy of the Tibial Insertion of the Superficial Medial Collateral Ligament.

The treatment of medial tibial plateau fractures can be challenging due to poor exposure of the articular surface. Therefore, a medial epicondyle osteotomy may be needed. Current methods describe osteotomy of the medial femoral epicondyle. However, this method requires additional detachment of the medial meniscus in order to ensure proper visualization. The aim of this study is to present a new technique using distal osteotomy of the superficial medial collateral ligament and to analyze the area of the exposed articular surface area. On each of eight fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees (mean age: 79.4 ± 9.4 years), an osteotomy and proximal reflection of the distal insertion of the superficial medial collateral ligament combined with a submeniscal arthrotomy was performed, followed by a medial epicondyle osteotomy. Using a three-dimensional measurement arm (Absolute Arm 8320-7, Hexagon Metrology GmbH), the exposed area was analyzed and compared to the entire medial articular surface using ANOVA (p < 0.05). Through the medial epicondyle osteotomy, 39.9 ± 9.7% of the anteromedial articular surface was seen. This area was significantly smaller compared to the osteotomy of the distal insertion of the superficial collateral ligament with an exposed articular surface of 77.2 ± 16.9% (p = 0.004). Thus, the distal osteotomy exposed 37.3% more of the articular surface compared to the medial epicondyle osteotomy. None of these techniques were able to adequately expose the posteromedial- and medial-most aspects of the tibial plateau. A distal superficial collateral ligament osteotomy may be superior to a medial epicondyle osteotomy when an extension of the anteromedial approach to the tibial plateau is required. A distal superficial medial collateral ligament osteotomy combines the advantages of better exposure of the medial articular surface with preservation of the blood supply to the medial meniscus. However, surgeons should carefully consider whether such an extended approach is necessary, as it significantly increases invasiveness.

TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY IN PATIENTS WITH SKELETAL DYSPLASIA

AbstractIntroductionTotal knee replacement (TKR) in patients with skeletal dysplasia is technically challenging surgery due to deformity, joint contracture, and associated co-morbidities. The aim of this study is to follow up patients with skeletal dysplasia following a TKR.MethodologyWe retrospectively reviewed 22 patients with skeletal dysplasia who underwent 31 TKRs at our institution between 2006 and 2022. Clinical notes, operative records and radiographic data were reviewed.ResultsAchondroplasia was the most common skeletal dysplasia (8), followed by Chondrodysplasia punctata (7) and Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (5). There were fourteen men and eight women with mean age of 51 years (28 to 73). The average height of patients was 1.4 metres (1.16–1.75) and the mean weight was 64.8 Kg (34.3–100). The mean follow up duration was 68.32 months (1–161). Three patients died during follow up. Custom implants were required in twelve patients (38.71%). Custom jigs were utilised in six patients and two patients underwent robotic assisted surgery. Hinged TKR was used in seventeen patients (54.84%), posterior stabilised TKR in nine patients (29.03%), and cruciate retaining TKR in five patients (16.13%). One patient underwent a patella resurfacing for persistent anterior knee pain and another had an intra-operative medial tibial plateau fracture which was managed with fixation. No revisions occurred during the follow up period.ConclusionDespite the technical challenges and complexity of TKR within this unique patient group, we demonstrate good implant survivorship during the study period. Cross sectional imaging is recommended preoperatively for precise planning and templating.

Development of patient-specific osteosynthesis including 3D-printed drilling guides for medial tibial plateau fracture surgery

PurposeA substantial proportion of conventional tibial plateau plates have a poor fit, which may result in suboptimal fracture reduction due to applied -uncontrolled- compression on the bone. This study aimed to assess whether patient-specific osteosyntheses could facilitate proper fracture reduction in medial tibial plateau fractures.MethodsIn three Thiel embalmed human cadavers, a total of six tibial plateau fractures (three Schatzker 4, and three Schatzker 6) were created and CT scans were made. A 3D surgical plan was created and a patient-specific implant was designed and fabricated for each fracture. Drilling guides that fitted on top of the customized plates were designed and 3D printed in order to assist the surgeon in positioning the plate and steering the screws in the preplanned direction. After surgery, a postoperative CT scan was obtained and outcome was compared with the preoperative planning in terms of articular reduction, plate positioning, and screw direction.ResultsA total of six patient-specific implants including 41 screws were used to operate six tibial plateau fractures. Three fractures were treated with single plating, and three fractures with dual plating. The median intra-articular gap was reduced from 6.0 (IQR 4.5–9.5) to 0.9 mm (IQR 0.2–1.4), whereas the median step-off was reduced from 4.8 (IQR 4.1–5.3) to 1.3 mm (IQR 0.9–1.5). The median Euclidean distance between the centre of gravity of the planned and actual implant was 3.0 mm (IQR: 2.8–3.7). The lengths of the screws were according to the predetermined plan. None of the screws led to screw penetration. The median difference between the planned and actual screw direction was 3.3° (IQR: 2.5–5.1).ConclusionThis feasibility study described the development and implementation of a patient-specific workflow for medial tibial plateau fracture surgery that facilitates proper fracture reduction, tibial alignment and accurately placed screws by using custom-made osteosynthesis plates with drilling guides.

3D mapping: has the mystery of proximal tibia fractures been solved?

One of the major limitations of the 2D fracture evaluation (Schatzker classification) is its failure to adequately assess fracture lines in the frontal plane and fracture displacement in the antero-posterior direction. 3D fracture line mapping includes steric assessment which can aid decision making with regards to the surgical approach and fixation scheme. We hypothesized that there are consistent fracture patterns and zones of comminution for proximal tibial fractures. Radiographic data of 228 proximal tibia fractures were retrospectively included in this study. Fracture lines and zones of comminution were graphically superimposed onto a 3D template of an intact tibia after virtual reduction and normalization to identify major patterns of fracture and comminution. Out of 206 male and 21 female patients, 89 had a fracture of the lateral condyle only (Schatzker I and II), 53 involved the medial plateau only (Schatzker IV) and 86 had a high-grade fracture involving both the condyles (Schatzker V and VI). 64.5% of the fracture lines involving the medial plateau alone were in the coronal plane, and this number was even lesser (44.2%) in medial plateau involvement of bicondylar fractures. In bicondylar fractures, lines were usually not seen to pass directly through the posteromedial region. Medial tibial plateau fractures have a mix of coronal or sagittal fracture alignment. A clearer understanding of the 3D orientations of fractures based on CT scans can aid in diagnosing the pattern of fracture and adequate positioning of plates can be done to eventually improve operative outcomes.

Bicondylar tibial plateau fracture dislocations with an intact anterolateral cortical rim: A surgical technique

A displaced medial tibial plateau fracture with central and lateral impaction, but an intact anterolateral cortical rim, is an uncommon variant of bicondylar tibial plateau fracture that presents a number of challenges. Without a lateral metaphyseal fracture line to work through, it is challenging to address central and lateral impaction. Previously published techniques for addressing this fracture pattern describe an intra-articular osteotomy of the lateral plateau to aid visualization and reduction, or use a posterolateral approach to the proximal tibia with or without an osteotomy of the proximal fibula. This study presents a technique which utilizes standard dual incision approaches and does not involve an intra-articular osteotomy of the lateral tibial plateau or a posterolateral approach. A case series was conducted evaluating radiographic and functional outcomes of 8 patients.

A Novel Locking Buttress Plate Designed for Simultaneous Medial and Posterolateral Tibial Plateau Fractures: Concept and Comparative Finite Element Analysis.

The complex tibial plateau fractures involving both medial and posterolateral columns are of frequent occurrence in clinics, but the existing fixation system cannot deal with medial and posterolateral fragments simultaneously. Therefore, a novel locking buttress plate named as medial and posterior column plate (MPCP) was designed in this study to fix the simultaneous medial and posterolateral tibial plateau fractures. Meanwhile, the comparative finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to investigate the discrepancy between MPCP and traditional multiple plates (MP + PLP) in their biomechanical characteristics. Two 3D finite element models of simultaneous medial and posterolateral tibial plateau fracture fixed with MPCP and MP + PLP system, respectively, was constructed. To imitate the axial stress of knee joint in ordinary life, diverse axial forces with 100, 500, 1000, and 1500 N were applied in the two fixation models, and then the equivalent displacement and stress nephograms and values were obtained. The similar trend of displacement and stress increasing with the loads was observed in the two fixation models. However, several heterogeneities of displacement and stress distribution were found in the two fixation models. The max displacement and von Mises stress values of plates, screws, and fragments in the MPCP fixation model were significantly smaller than that in the MP + PLP fixation model, except for the max-shear stress values. As a single locking buttress plate, the MPCP system showed the excellent benefit on improving the stability of the simultaneous medial and posterolateral tibial plateau fractures, compared with the traditional double plate fixation system. However, the excessive shear stress around screw holes should be paid attention to prevent trabecular microfracture and screw loosening.

Medial tibial plateau fracture following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty – characteristics, risk factors, pathogenesis and treatment methods. Literature review and case report

Introduction. Medial tibial plateau fracture (MTPF) after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a rare but significant complication. Materials and methods. MEDLINE, ScienceDirect and Cochrane Library databases were searched using specific search terms. The inclusion criteria were articles in English, medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty intraoperative or stress MTPF, reported patients’ demographics and fracture characteristics, the treatment process, any case with a follow-up for a minimum of 3 months and the reported outcome. The exclusion criteria were lateral tibial plateau fracture, traumatic injury, all cases with a follow-up shorter than 3 months and no reported outcome. Results. From 374 records initially found, 36 were included in the analysis highlighting the characteristics, causes and mechanisms of UKA-related MTPF. As to the treatment outcomes, only 10 studies with a total of 19 cases met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. What was also reported was a case report of a 52-year-old patient diagnosed with MTPF one week after UKA and treated using ORIF with support plate and bone augmentation. At the 8-month follow-up, the patient was complaint-free and received 88 points in the KOOS Score. Conclusions. Several measures were proposed in the literature to minimize the risk of UKA-related MTPF. One of them is appropriate patient selection (BMI, BMD). As to the operative technique, positioning tibial pins too close to the medial tibial cortex and tibial plateau, extending the sagittal and vertical cut, damaging the posterior cortex and using excessive force during hammering should be avoided. In addition, the proper tibial component size and placement (considering the gender, race and knee alignment) is also important. UKA-related MTPF was reported to be managed with either conservative treatment, ORIF or revision to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). While conservative treatment carries a high risk of failure, and the revision to TKA is a massive procedure associated with the removal of all UKA components, ORIF was reported to bring favorable outcomes, being less invasive than revision to TKA.

Finite element analysis of the effect of knee movable unicompartmental prosthesis insertion shape and mounting position on stress distribution in the knee joint after replacement

In unicompartmental replacement surgery, there are a wide variety of commercially available unicompartmental prostheses, and the consistency of the contact surface between the common liner and the femoral prosthesis could impact the stress distribution in the knee after replacement in different ways. Medial tibial plateau fracture and liner dislocation are two common forms of failure after unicompartmental replacement. One of the reasons is the mismatch in the mounting position of the unicompartmental prosthesis in the knee joint, which may lead to failure. Therefore, this paper focuses on the influence of the shape of the contact surface between the liner and the femoral prosthesis and the mounting position of the unicompartmental prosthesis on the stress distribution in the knee joint after replacement. Firstly, a finite element model of the normal human knee joint was established, and the validity of the model was verified by both stress and displacement. Secondly, two different shapes of padded knee prosthesis models (type A and type B) were developed to simulate and analyze the stress distribution in the knee joint under single-leg stance with five internal or external rotation mounting positions of the two pads. The results showed that under a 1 kN axial load, the peak contact pressure of the liner, the peak ACL equivalent force, and the peak contact pressure of the lateral meniscus were smaller for type A than for type B. The liner displacement, peak contact pressure of the liner, peak tibial equivalent force, and peak ACL equivalent force were the smallest for type A at 3° of internal rotation in all five internal or external rotation mounting positions. For unicompartmental replacement, it is recommended that the choice of type A or type B liner for prosthetic internal rotation up to 6° should be combined with other factors of the patient for comprehensive analysis. In conclusion, the results of this paper may reduce the risk of liner dislocation and medial tibial plateau fracture after unicompartmental replacement, providing a biomechanical reference for unicompartmental prosthesis design.

Diagnosis and treatment of periprosthetic fracture after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is an effective treatment for end-stage anteromedial osteoarthritis of the knee. Medial tibial plateau fracture or femoral condyle fracture may occur after UKA, and its treatment is very challenging. The causes leading to this complication include: surgical technique errors, such as the weakening of posterior cortical strength of the tibial platform during operation, the reduction of bone mass due to too much tibial osteotomy, and the stress concentration in the bone bed due to bad alignment of the prosthesis, etc. Prosthesis design factors, such as press-fit fixation design of cementless UKA prosthesis, and multiple nail holes fixation for tibial osteotomy guide, etc. And the morphology of tibial plateau, such as tibial platform in Asian people with narrow and small shap and medial overhanging condyles. Correct selection of patients, strict surgical principles and standardized surgical techniques are the keys to prevent periprosthetic fractures during and after medial UKA. After the diagnosis is confirmed, the treatment choice mainly depends on the fracture pattern and the stability of the prosthesis.

A Register Analysis after Tibial Plateau Fracture in Statutory Accident Insurance.

To analyse the results after tibial plateau fractures with a focus on socioeconomic consequences. On the basis of the data from the rehabilitation documentation of the German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV) on tibial plateau fractures (Code 83), a retrospective anonymised evaluation of the injuries which occurred in 2010 and 2016 was carried out. The registry data allowed subdivision into 3 groups: Medial, lateral and bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. The data have been analysed with regard to the following parameters: age, gender, treatment, time of return to work (AU), costs per case, total costs, workers compensation (MdE) and total payments. The analysis includes 1046 isolated tibial plateau fractures for 2010 and 1072 for 2016. In 2016, 798 fractures could be assigned to the medial, lateral or bicondylar fracture groups. In 551 cases, both condyles were involved. In another 221 cases, the lateral plateau and in 26 the medial plateau was injured. There were 476 (59.7%) men and 322 (40.4%) women. The mean age was 43.4 (SD±16.7) years with a peak of 180 cases in the 55-60 year subgroup and 98 aged 15-20 years. The mean age of the cases with isolated lateral plateau involvement was 48.1 (SD±13.8) and was 47.5 (SD±16.6) in those with medial plateau fractures and 41.4 (SD±17.2) years in the subgroup with bicondylar patterns. The mean time of return to work was 39.4 (SD±25.3) weeks for the bicondylar tibial plateau fractures, 28.1 (SD±27.2) weeks for the medial and 24.5 (SD±22.8) weeks for the lateral groups. For the 2016 group, the mean costs were 5212€ for outpatient, 10358€ for inpatient and 7622€ for rehab costs per case (total costs over three years of 4247443€ for outpatient and 7506508€ for acute inpatient treatment). The highest costs per case were caused by the inpatient acute treatment of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures, at a mean of 22292€. 17.6% of the 2016 casualty group resulted in compensation of at least 20%. The treatment costs for the 2010 group over 9 years (2010-2019) amounted to 4190855€ for outpatient treatments and € 9565313 for inpatient treatments. In addition, compensations of 8632448€ and lump-sum payments of 483289€ were paid from 2010 to 2019. Over a period of 9 years, 456 (66%) of 692 patients needed another in patient follow-up treatment. A total of 51% (n=353) needed these treatments within the first year. Tibial plateau fractures, in particular bicondylar tibial plateau fractures, show long-term, cost-intensive healing processes with reduced occupational capacity. Tibial plateau fractures are of economic importance in the statutory accident insurance in the long term. Preventive measures, optimal care and rehabilitation are therefore essential, together with innovative research to improve clinical outcomes.

Radiographic detection of lateral plateau involvement in medial tibial plateau fractures (AO/OTA 41-B1.2, 1.3, 3.2 and 3.3).

To assess the accuracy of radiographs in detecting the lateral plateau involvement of medial tibial plateau fractures as well as describe the impact of CT on preoperative planning for this specific fracture morphology. Radiograph and CT imaging of patients with a Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fractures (AO/OTA 41-B1.2, B1.3h, B2.2. B3.2, and B3.3) between January 2013 and July 2017 were reviewed by three trauma fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons to identify fractures of the medial condyle with an intact anterolateral articular surface. Lateral plateau involvement was identified in 16 (37%) radiographs and 26 (61%) CT images (p = 0.051). Radiographic detection of lateral plateau involvement demonstrated a sensitivity of 62% and specificity of 100%, and radiographs were able to predict the recommendation for surgical intervention for lateral plateau involvement with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 75% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 60% compared to recommendations based on CT imaging. Radiographs predicted a need for a separate surgical approach with PPV of 63% and NPV of 70% when compared to recommendations based on CT images. Radiographs are reliable in ruling in lateral plateau involvement of medial plateau fractures, but occult lateral articular extension may only be identified in CT imaging for some cases. Surgical planning may be impacted by CT imaging for this fracture morphology, but further study is warranted to evaluate the correlation between preoperative planning and clinical outcomes. III.

Outcomes of complex primary total knee arthroplasties performed with custom cutting guides

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is particularly challenging in patients with marked deformities or existing hardware due to the inability to use traditional instrumentation. One potential technique to mitigate this obstacle is the use of patient-specific cutting guides. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of custom cutting guides in complex primary TKAs. MethodsTwenty complex TKAs performed in 18 patients were identified. Of these, 11 were performed in patients with existing hardware, three in patients with dwarfism, three in patients with post-traumatic deformities, two in a patient with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, and one in a patient with a large deformity from Blount’s disease. All prior hardware was retained. One patient died from unrelated causes three months following surgery. The remaining patients were followed for a mean of 5.2 years (range: 1.2–9.7 years). ResultsOne patient sustained a non-displaced, medial tibial plateau fracture intra-operatively that was successfully treated with plating. Mean operative time was 112.1 ± 44.4 min, and mean hospital stay was 2.7 ± 1.6 days. Average deviation from the mechanical axis improved from 10.5° pre-operatively to 3.1° postoperatively (P < 0.001). Average Knee Society Scores improved from 48.1 to 77.4 points (P < 0.001). Mean extension improved from 5.9° to 1.4° (P = 0.049). Two patients subsequently required a manipulation under anesthesia, and one patient had delayed wound healing that resolved without surgery. ConclusionsCustom cutting guides are a viable option in complex primary TKAs where the use of traditional instrumentation would be challenging.

Techniques for management of hyperextension bicondylar tibial plateau fractures.

Hyperextension bicondylar tibial plateau (HEBTP) fractures are a subset of tibial plateau fractures that primarily affect the sagittal alignment of the tibial condyles. They comprise less than 20% of all bicondylar injuries [ [1] Gonzalez LJ Lott A Konda S Egol KA. The Hyperextension Tibial Plateau Fracture Pattern: A Predictor of Poor Outcome. J Orthop Trauma. 2017; 31: e369-e374 Crossref PubMed Scopus (13) Google Scholar ]. They have been described following both high and low energy mechanisms [ 1 Gonzalez LJ Lott A Konda S Egol KA. The Hyperextension Tibial Plateau Fracture Pattern: A Predictor of Poor Outcome. J Orthop Trauma. 2017; 31: e369-e374 Crossref PubMed Scopus (13) Google Scholar , 2 Firoozabadi R Schneidkraut J Beingessner D Dunbar R Barei D. Hyperextension Varus Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fracture Pattern: Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies. J Orthop Trauma. 2016; 30: e152-e157 Crossref PubMed Scopus (22) Google Scholar , 3 Zhao R Lin Z Long H Zeng M Cheng L Zhu Y. Diagnosis and treatment of hyperextension bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. J Orthop Surg Res. 2019; 25 (14): 191 Crossref Scopus (6) Google Scholar , 4 Chouhan DK Chand Saini U Kumar Rajnish R Prakash M Complex bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with reversed tibial slope - Our experience with a fracture-specific correction strategy. Trauma Case Rep. 2019; 28100256 Google Scholar ]. In these injuries, a combined axial and varus load is imparted to the knee which results in compressive forces to the anterior portion of the tibial plateau and tension across the posterior plateau. Given the varus alignment of the knee and tether of the posterolateral knee capsuloligamentous complex, there is asymmetric concentration of force to the medial plateau resulting in a characteristic injury pattern that is often more severe on this side [ 5 Chiba T Sugita T Onuma M Kawamata T Umehara J. Injuries to the posterolateral aspect of the knee accompanied by compression fracture of the anterior part of the medial tibial plateau. Arthroscopy. 2001; 17: 642-647 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (21) Google Scholar , 6 Yoo JH Kim EH Yim SJ Lee BI. A case of compression fracture of medial tibial plateau and medial femoral condyle combined with posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner injury. Knee. 16. 2009: 83-86 Google Scholar , 7 Tomás-Hernández J Monyart JM Serra JT Vinaixa MR Farfan EG García VM Feliu EC. Large fracture of the anteromedial tibial plateau with isolated posterolateral knee corner injury: case series of an often missed unusual injury pattern. Injury. 2016; 47: S35-S40 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (13) Google Scholar ]. Regardless of mechanism, a common characteristic of these injuries is anteromedial metaphyseal comminution and loss of the normal posterior slope of the medial, and often, lateral side. The average anatomic medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) is 87o (range 85-900); the average posterior proximal tibial angle (PPTA) is 810 (range 77-84o) [ [8] Paley D. Normal Lower Limb Alignment and Joint Orientation. In Paley D, editor. Principles of Deformity Correction 1st ed. Berlin: Springer-Verlag; 2003, p. 1-18. Google Scholar ]. Anatomic reduction of the articular surface and restoration of sagittal and coronal alignment must be achieved at surgery and maintained until union.

Analysis of medial tibial plateau fracture injury patterns using quantitative 3D measurements

BackgroundThe Wahlquist system classifies tibial medial plateau fractures into three types based on the sagittal fracture line location, with type C at highest risk of complications. However, the injury mechanism of tibial medial plateau fractures, especially tibial rotation movement, remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to determine the injury patterns of medial tibial plateau fractures using 3D model simulation and quantitative 3D measurements. MethodsSeventy-eight consecutive AO/OTA type 41-B tibial plateau fractures were retrospectively analyzed using CT-based 3D models and quantitative 3D measurements. The knee posture at the moment of fracture occurrence was simulated, and various knee angles in the sagittal, coronal, and axial planes were measured to evaluate the mechanism of medial tibial plateau fracture. The mean valgus-varus, hyperextension-flexion, and internal-external rotation angles were determined, and the chi-square test was used for comparisons of categorical varus and valgus force data to determine the main force direction in Wahlquist type C fractures. ResultsAngle measurements in the coronal planes showed that 28 (35.9%) medial tibial plateau fractures resulted from a varus injury pattern, while 50 fractures (64.1%) resulted from a valgus pattern. Valgus force produced significantly more Wahlquist type C fractures (37 of 50 fractures) than varus force (2 of 28 fractures) (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the cases of patients with type C fractures between the tibial internal and external rotation injury patterns(P > 0.05). ConclusionsValgus force was the cause of 64.1% of the medial tibia plateau fractures in the present cohort. Furthermore, valgus force produced more Wahlquist type C fractures than varus force. The present findings will help orthopedists understand the injury mechanism of the Wahlquist classification system, and will facilitate the identification of the common features of medial tibial plateau fractures induced by specific injury patterns.

Anterior Midline Incision is a Safe and Effective Approach for High-energy Medial Shear Fractures of the Tibial Plateau

Objective: We present a technical trick for surgical treatment of with (Schatzker IV) medial tibial plateau fractures treated with a standardized operative protocol with early radiographic and clinical outcomes. Methods: Skeletally mature patients with a medial tibial plateau fracture (Schatzker IV) admitted to an academic level 1 trauma center between 2002 and 2017 were identified by institutional database review. Screening of operative reports selected patients treated with a single anteromedial approach following a standard surgical protocol by a single surgeon. Data relevant to initial injury characteristics, patient comorbidities, operative management, and follow-up were extracted by chart review. Preoperative and postoperative clinical documentation and radiographs were examined to measure specific injury and outcome variables. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were validated by one fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeon and 2 orthopedic trauma fellows. Results: Review of 335 patients with tibial plateau fractures during the study period identified a series of 17 high-energy, medial partial articular fractures that met the inclusion criteria. Injury pattern included articular depression in all patients, meniscal injury in 59%, ligamentous injury in 65% and none had compartment syndrome. Immediate radiographic analysis showed restoration of the articular surface, condylar width, and mechanical alignment for all patients. No patient experienced wound healing complications, soft tissue infection or skin necrosis. Median time to radiographic fracture consolidation was 12.9 weeks and ambulation without achieved at 18.9 weeks. Conclusions: The use of a standard anteromedial approach to the knee via medial parapatellar arthrotomy with full-thickness medial skin flap for isolated high-energy medial column tibial plateau fractures offers improved visualization and facilitates reduction and fixation of the lateral and anterior articular impaction while enabling immediate repair or reconstruction of associated meniscal and ligamentous (anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament) pathology. Short-term and mid-term follow-up demonstrates good clinical and radiographic patient outcomes. This approach is a safe and reliable option for treatment of this unique and challenging injury pattern.