Treatment of tibial plateau fracture associated with ligament injuries / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the incidence of tibial plateau fracture with ligament injuries and the early diagnosis and management of the condition. Methods Fifty seven cases of tibial plateau fractures which had been treated operatively from Jan. 2001 to Jun.2003 and had satisfactory reduction of the articular surface were reviewed. The stability of their knee joints was analyzed. Results The follow up lasted 6 to 30 months with an average of 15 months. The incidence of knee unstability was low. The four potential reasons for the postoperative knee stability were found to be 1) the low prevalence of ligament injury with displaced fractures of tibial plateau; 2) incomplete ligament disruption or mild ligament injury; 3) anatomic reduction and rigid internal fixation; 4) fine and detailed plan for immobilization and functional exercise. Conclusion The prevalence of complete ligament disruption is low, and nonoperative management can result in satisfactory outcomes for tibial plateau fracture with incomplete ligament injury.