[Arthroscopic percutaneous osteosynthesis of low-energy tibial plateau fractures].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the treatment of low-energy tibial plateau fractures with arthroscopic percutaneous osteosynthesis.

METHODS

From May 2004 to April 2008, 27 cases of tibial plateau fractures were treated with arthroscopic management. There were 19 males and 8 females, aged 18-61 years old (mean 41.5 years old). Fracture was caused by traffic accident in 18 cases, by falling from height in 6 cases, by bruise in 2 cases, and by other in 1 case. There were 8 cases of type I, 12 cases of type II, 2 cases of type III and 5 cases of type IV according to Schatzker classification. The time from injury to operation was 3-15 days (mean 5.2 days). After symptomatic managements were performed arthroscopically in 11 cases of meniscus tear, 4 cases of medial collateral ligament rupture of knee joint, 3 cases of anterior cruciate ligament rupture of knee joint and 2 cases of cartilage fracture resulting in joint bodies, fracture was reduced and fixed with 2 or 4 cannulated screws (7 mm in diameter). Autograft of ilium was given 6 cases of bone defect. Early functional exercise was done.

RESULTS

The operation time was 55-150 minutes (mean 93 minutes); the hospitalization days were 7-22 days (mean 16 days). All incision healed primarily. Edema of the affected leg occurred in all patients and subsided after 3 days of symptomatic management. In one patient who did not cooperate in functional exercise, adhesion occurred and normal function was recovered after by manual dissolution under conditions of anesthesia after 3 months of operation. All patients were followed up 6-36 months (mean 16.6 months). The range of motion of knee joint was 105-140 degrees (mean 121 degrees). According to Lysholm scale of knee joint, the score was 72-100 points (mean 93.6 points) 6 months after operation. The X-ray film showed no signs of osteoarthritis.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic percutaneous osteosynthesis yields satisfactory results and can be accepted as an alternative and effective method for the treatment of low-energy tibial plateau fractures.