The use of minimally invasive procedure in treatment of tibial plateau fractures / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the efficacy of closed reduction and inter na l fixation of cannulated screws by minimally invasive procedure in management of tibial plateau fractures. Methods From October 1999 to January 2002, 42 patient s with tibial plateau fractures, which were 29 males and 13 females with an aver age age of 41 years ranging from 26 to 67 years, were treated surgically in our hospital. According to Schatzker system, the fractures were diagnosed as type Ⅰ in 9, type Ⅱ in 5, type Ⅲ in 13, type Ⅳ in 3, type Ⅴ in 6 and type Ⅵ in 6. There was open fracture in 5, and closed fracture in 37. The fracture fragments of tibial plateau were reduced with closed manipulation or reduced assisted by minimally invasive procedure. The later by minimally invasive procedure included two kinds of reductions, one of which was reduction assisted by Kirschner pin t hat was introduced percutaneously into the larger fragment; the other was reduct ion assisted by a bone tamper that was introduced through a small incision into the cortical window beneath the depressed articular surface. Fixation was achiev ed using percutaneous 6.5 mm cannulated screws or combination of the cannulated screws and Bastiani external frame in unstable fractures. Results Of 42 patients , 37 were followed up from 6 to 30 months (average, 15 months). All 37 fractures were united within 12 weeks postoperatively. The mechanical axis of affected li mb and the stability of affected knee joint were restored in the patients. Accor ding to Sanders score for functional results of knee joint, 13 patients were rat ed as excellent, 20 good, and 4 fair. Anatomical reduction was identified while the stepping of articular surface after reduction was less than 2 mm. In 21 pati ents with anatomical reduction, the functional results were excellent in 8, good in 11, and fair in 2. However, in 16 patients without anatomical reduction, the functional results were excellent in 5, good in 9, and fair in 2. There was sig nificant difference between the two groups on functional results. There were no postoperative complications such as infections and neurovascular bundle. Conclus ion Closed reduction and fixation through minimally invasive procedure has provi ded satisfied results in tibial plateau fractures such as less complications, ex cellent mechanical axis restoration, and ideal functional recovery.