RESUMEN
Objective To discuss curative effects of the AO Less Invasive Stabilization System(LISS) in the treatment of complex fractures around the knee joint.Methods The internal fixation at distal femur or proximal tibia was performed in 15 cases of closed complex fractures at the metaphysic area near the knee joint by using the LISS(left-sided in 9 cases and right-sided in 6 cases) from April 2004 to June 2005. Results All the 15 cases were followed for 5~26 months(mean,13.2 months).The time to full weight bearing was 12~26 weeks,and the time to bone union under X-ray was 11~24 weeks.No delayed union or disunion was observed.There were 1 case of superficial infection and 2 cases of skin blister,all of which were cured with dressing changes.No deep infection,skin necrosis,or osteofascial compartment syndrome occurred.Functional evaluation according to the Johner-Wruhs system revealed "excellent" results in 11 cases,"good" results in 3,and "fair" in 1,the total satisfactory rate being 93.3%(14/15).Palpable shift and separation inside tibia had occurred in 1 case of tibial plateau fracture(type C3) 2 weeks after operation,and a steel bar was inserted to fix the tibial plateau in a second operation.Bone union was achieved in this case 20 weeks after operation,with "good" evaluation results.Genu varum(tibial plateau angle,82?) had occurred in 1 case of tibial plateau fracture(type C3) 8 weeks after operation,and bone union was noted 20 weeks after operation,with "fair" evaluation results.Conclusions The LISS is indicated for fractures at distal femur or proximal tibia,or osteoporotic fractures of distal femoral shaft.For type C3 complex tibial plateau fracture,fixation with a steel bar on the entocondyle should be employed,rather than relying on the LISS.