Radiological Landmarks for the Assessment of the Alignment in the Use of the LCP-PLT (Locking Compression Plate-Proximal Lateral Tibia): An Anatomical and Radiological Study

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the conformity of the anatomically pre-shaped LCP-PT to the tibias of the Korean adult and to identify radiological guidelines to assist intraoperative assessment of correct alignment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 adult femur obtained from the Korean adult cadaver were used. A nine or eleven-hole LCP-DF was applied to the lateral surface of the tibia according to the contour. Then the distance from the inner surface of the plate to the lateral condyle was measured at the sites of mismatch. The angle between the most proximal screw and the articular surface was measured with the image intensifier. RESULTS: The LCP-PT showed good conformity to the tibia in general. The distance from the inner surface of the plate to the lateral condyle was 3.5mm in average (range 0~9). The angle between the most proximal locking screw and the joint line was 1.16 degrees in average (range 0~7 degree). CONCLUSION: The LCP-PT showed good conformity to the tibia in general. Malposition of the most proximal screw which is not paralleling to the joint line may herald a coronal plane malalignment.