Revisiting the management of tibial plateau fractures.

Three-dimensional imaging has changed the understanding and management of tibial plateau fractures. In the 1970s, Schatzker proposed a classification for tibial plateau fractures, which highlighted the morphology of the six principal types. More recently, this original classification was complimented by an extended one underscoring the importance of understanding where the split wedge fragment(s) is/are located in three dimensions. The extended classification introduced the split wedge fragment and the continuity of the rim as the determinants of joint stability and the critical role that this plays in the management of tibial plateau fractures. The current manuscript re-emphasizes contemporary concepts of tibial plateau stability and depicts key issues which must be considered when planning the definitive surgical fixation of tibial plateau fractures.

Revisiting the Schatzker classification of tibial plateau fractures.

Tibial plateau fractures have a broad spectrum of presentations, depending on the mechanism and energy of the trauma. Many classification systems are currently available to describe these injuries. In 1974, Schatzker proposed a classification based on a two-dimensional representation of the fracture. His classification with the six-principles types became one of the most utilized classification systems for tibial plateau fractures. More than four decades after this original publication, we are revisiting each fracture type in the light of information made available by computed tomography, which today comprises a standard tool in assessing articular fractures. The classification we are proposing relies on the fact that the tibial plateau has two anatomical columns, lateral and medial. We are introducing a virtual equator which splits the articular surface in the coronal plane. The equator divides each column into two quadrants, the anterior (A) and the posterior (P). Unicondylar fracture types (I to IV) have now additional modifiers A (anterior) and P (posterior) to describe the exact spatial location of the primary fracture plane. Bicondylar fracture types (V and VI) have the modifiers (A and P) of the main fracture plane for each column, and lateral (L) and medial (M) to denote the column. We are introducing the concept of the main fracture plane. Recognition of the exact location of the principal fracture plane is essential for preoperative planning of patient positioning, surgical approach and for determining where to apply the hardware to achieve stable fixation. The new three-dimensional classification is based on the template of the original Schatzker classification. It covers the mechanism of the injury, the energy of the trauma, the morphologic characteristics of the fracture and its location in three dimensions.

The Impact of Computed Tomography on Decision Making in Tibial Plateau Fractures.

Schatzker introduced one of the most used classification systems for tibial plateau fractures, based on plain radiographs. Computed tomography brought to attention the importance of coronal plane-oriented fractures. The goal of our study was to determine if the addition of computed tomography would affect the decision making of surgeons who usually use the Schatzker classification to assess tibial plateau fractures. Image studies of 70 patients who sustained tibial plateau fractures were uploaded to a dedicated homepage. Every patient was linked to a folder which contained two radiographic projections (anteroposterior and lateral), three interactive videos of computed tomography (axial, sagittal, and coronal), and eight pictures depicting tridimensional reconstructions of the tibial plateau. Ten attending orthopaedic surgeons, who were blinded to the cases, were granted access to the homepage and assessed each set of images in two different rounds, separated to each other by an interval of 2 weeks. Each case was evaluated in three steps, where surgeons had access, respectively to radiographs, two-dimensional videos of computed tomography, and three-dimensional reconstruction images. After every step, surgeons were asked to present how would they classify the case using the Schatzker system and which surgical approaches would be appropriate. We evaluated the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the Schatzker classification using the Kappa concordance coefficient, as well as the impact of computed tomography in the decision making regarding the surgical approach for each case, by using the chi-square test and likelihood ratio. The interobserver concordance kappa coefficients after each assessment step were, respectively, 0.58, 0.62, and 0.64. For the intraobserver analysis, the coefficients were, respectively, 0.76, 0.75, and 0.78. Computed tomography changed the surgical approach selection for the types II, V, and VI of Schatzker (p < 0.01). The addition of computed tomography scans to plain radiographs improved the interobserver reliability of Schatzker classification. Computed tomography had a statistically significant impact in the selection of surgical approaches for the lateral tibial plateau.

Extended Anterolateral Approach for Complex Lateral Tibial Plateau Fractures.

Complex fractures of the lateral tibial plateau may extend to the posterior rim of the knee and to the tibial spines. Displaced fractures of the posterolateral corner of the tibial plateau may result in joint incongruity and instability, especially with the knee in flexion. Anatomical reduction of the joint surface and containment of the tibial rim are the primary goals of the treatment in such cases. Dedicated surgical approaches including dissection of the peroneal nerve, sometimes in association with an osteotomy of the fibular head are typically used to address these injuries. Some techniques require special positioning of the patient on the operative table. Anatomical studies of the knee allowed us to conclude that an osteotomy of the lateral epicondyle of the femur may be a natural extension of the standard anterolateral approach to the tibial plateau. The main advantage of this approach is the broad exposure of the lateral joint surface, allowing its anatomical reduction. It does not violate the proximal tibiofibular joint or pose a risk to the peroneal nerve. The main limitation is the lack of visualization of the posterior metaphysis of the tibia, preventing the application of a buttress plate parallel to the plane of fracture split. To overcome this limitation, we describe a method to support the posterior tibial plateau rim, in cases of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures, combining the extended anterolateral with the posteromedial approach. For selected cases, with a significant compromise of the posterolateral and anterolateral quadrants of the tibial plateau, including the tibial spines, the extended anterolateral approach may be complemented by a planned detachment of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. In such variant, a complete exposure of the entire surface of the lateral tibial plateau and tibial spines is achievable, assuring optimal conditions for an anatomical reduction of the articular surface.

The "Hoop" Plate for Posterior Bicondylar Shear Tibial Plateau Fractures: Description of a New Surgical Technique.

High-energy fractures of the proximal tibia with extensive fragmentation of the posterior rim of the tibial plateau are challenging. This technique aims to describe a method on how to embrace the posterior rim of the tibial plateau by placing a horizontal precontoured one-third tubular plate wrapped around its corners. This method, which we named "hoop plating," is mainly indicated for cases of crushed juxta-articular rim fractures, aiming to restore cortical containment of the tibial plateau. Through a lateral approach with a fibular head osteotomy (Lobenhoffer approach), both anterolateral and posterolateral fragments are directly reduced and supported by a one-third tubular plate of adequate length. The plate is inserted from lateral to medial deep to all soft tissues, and its position is checked with fluoroscopy. The implant sits exactly on the posterior cortex of the tibial plateau and provides containment for the reduced juxta-articular posterior cortex and rim. We begin with immediate range of motion. Toe-touch weight-bearing with crutches is allowed with the operated knee in full extension. Weight-bearing is gradually increased only after 6 weeks as bone healing is taking place. Clinical follow-up is performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks. If the radiological exam confirms that the fracture is healed, the patient is allowed to proceed to muscle strengthening and bear weight entirely. The "hoop plating" may be a good option for the management in cases of extensive posterior tibial plateau articular surface fracture and impaction with rim and posterior cortical wall fragmentation.

[The evolution of AO/ASIF views on fracture treatment]. / Ewolucja zasad leczenia zlaman wedlug Fundacji AO.

The evolution of AO/ASIF views on fracture treatment, which has occured within last 50 years, is described in the present paper. In that time AO principles has been changed from mechanical approach to fracture care to methods considering first of all the biological aspects of injury. It has been manifested in invention of new implants of lower affect on bone tissue and emphasizing of soft tissue and atraumatic surgery technique importance. Described changes were based on careful analysis of obtained treatment results, creation of trauma centers collecting the large numbers of trauma patients and on broad experimental researches on bone biology, it's vascularisation and healing as well as on bone pathology.

Hip fractures and Alzheimer's disease in elderly institutionalized Canadians.

PURPOSE: To examine the associations among Alzheimer's disease, hip fractures, and falls in elderly Canadians > or = 65 years of age (n=1513) who participated in the National Population Health Survey for Health Institutions between 1994 and 1995. METHODS: The survey was designed to provide health-related information for residents of Canadian health institutions. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between hip fractures and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Covariates assessed included osteoporosis, age, sex, medications, and comorbid conditions. We did an additional analysis confined to participants who fell, in an attempt to tease out the contribution of falling to the relation between AD and hip fractures. RESULTS: The adjusted odds ratio relating Alzheimer's disease to hip fracture was 2.18 (95% CI: 1.26-3.79). Among those who reported falling, the adjusted odds ratio relating Alzheimer's disease to hip fracture was 1.78 (95% CI: 1.01-3.14). CONCLUSIONS: The most important finding in this study is the independent relation between Alzheimer's disease and hip fractures.