ABSTRACT
Objective To assess the effectiveness of absorbable screws and metallic devices for treating tibial plateau fractures.Methods Fifty-seven cases of tibial plateau fractures were treated with internal fixation using absorbable screws(Group A),cannulated screws(Group B)and condylar buttress plates(Group C)in our hospital.According to Schatzker classification,there were 15 cases with typeⅠfractures,21 with typeⅡ,nine with typeⅢand 12 with typeⅣ,who were followed up for 6-51 months. Statistical analysis was performed to compare bone union and functional restoration of the knee between three groups.Results Bone union was achieved in all cases.Based on Merchant scale for knee func- tion,excellence rate was 84%(16/19)for Group A,92%(11/12)for Group B and 85%(22/26) for Group C,with no significant statistical difference.Conclusion Absorbable screws is as effective as metallic devices for treating tibial plateau fractures and has advantages of minimal invasion,few complica- tions and avoiding secondary operation.