Role of posteromedial plating in condylar fractures of Tibia in adults

ABSTRACT

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate role of Posteromedial Plating in condylar fractures of Tibia, especially patients with posterior tibial shear fractures. Materials and methods: This prospective study included 12 patients with mean age 40 years (range 30 to 50 years) who sustained high velocity posterior tibial plateau fracture-subluxations with/ without associated Bicondylar fractures (Moore I & II Types, Schatzker’s Groups – IV, V and VI). Surgical management included stabilisation plating through a posteromedial/ posterior approach and additional postero lateral or antero lateral approach as needed. The patients were followed up at six week, three month, six month and one year postoperatively and assessed using Oxford Knee Score and Lyshom Score. Results: The mean OKS score was 40 (range 36 to 44) at the end of one year. The main clinical measures were early post-operative non weight bearing ROM, post-operative complication and functional outcome. The time to full weight bearing, the rate of post-operative complications and functional outcome was significantly better as evident by over 94 % showing good to excellent OKS and Lyshom scores. Conclusion: A posterior/ postero medial approach for posterior tibial plateau shear fractures (which are otherwise irreducible by conventional approaches) and buttress/ antiglide plate are usually needed to reduce the fractures anatomically, achieving absolute stability and mobilize early NWB, ROM of the knee joint to optimize the functional outcomes and minimize the complications, without the need for revision surgery.