RESUMO
Objective To discuss the less invasive stabilization system(LISS)in treatment of fractures around the knee joint.Methods Between February 2002 and December 2005,103 cases of periarticular fractures of knee joint were treated with LISS in our department.There were 58 cases of comminuted distal femoral fracture and 45 cases of comminuted proximal tibia fracture.Follow-ups were conducted once per week during the first four weeks and once per month in the following months to observe whether such complications as loosening of internal fixators and nail breakage would occur.Results All the cases were followed up for a mean time of 16.5 months(range, 6 to 27 months).Loosening and breakage of internal fixation was found in only one case,while others obtained bony union.In fractures of types A and C,the knee range of motion varied from 95?to 145?(average,130?)and 85?to 140?(average,110?)in flexion respectively.HSS score:excellent in 84 cases(81.6%),good in 15 cases (14.6%),fair in three cases(2.9%),and poor in one case(0.9%).Conclusions The LISS can be the best choice for the treatment of periarticular fractures around the knee joint,but we should take care to implant the plate and screws in a proper position and direction and avoid early weight-bearing.In application of the 13-hole plate, large incision should be made to approach the distal tibia for fear of damaging the superficial peroneal nerve.