Original Research Article
Year: 2014 | Month: February | Volume: 4 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 91-97
Surgical Management of Intra-Articular Fractures of Upper End of Tibia
Mohite Ninad P1, Tanaya J Patel2
1Senior Resident (Orthopedics), B. J. Medical College, Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad.
2Intern Doctor, Smt NHL Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad.
Corresponding Author: Mohite Ninad P
ABSTRACT
Intra-articular fractures of the knee adversely affect the knee function if not managed properly. The objective is to achieve a stable, pain free knee joint with minimal effect on the quality of life. We prospectively studied 49 patients (mean age 44 years, range 21-63 years) with displaced tibial plateau fractures treated operatively. Schatzker type 2 fracture was the commonest pattern (38 per cent). 12 patients were treated with percutaneous screw fixation and 37 were treated with open reduction and plate fixation. Various clinical and radiological criteria were used to calculate final outcome at 1 year. Apart from one patient who died, all fractures were united at final follow-up. There were 13 excellent, 18 good, 15 fair and three poor functional results; and 19 excellent, 18 good, 10 fair and two poor radiological results. There was no significant correlation between the final radiographic appearance and clinical outcome. Postoperative complications included infection in 4 patients and lateral peroneal nerve pasly in 2 patients. Old age, severity of fracture, associated injuries and post-operative complications significantly affected the functional outcome despite acceptable radiological results.
Key words: Intra-articular Fractures, Tibial Plateau, Schatzker Classification, Operative Management