The future of surgery: A case of Schatzker type II tibial plateau fracture operated with arthroscopic-assisted technique.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

One percent of adult fractures are tibial plateau fractures, but can represent significant morbidity for patients. Achieving anatomic reduction of the articular surface, adequate alignment, stable fixation consistent with early mobilization, and minimal soft tissue injury are the key goals of treatment. Compared to open reduction and internal fixation, the decreased invasiveness of arthroscopy-assisted percutaneous fixation translates into decreased morbidity rates.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 35-year-old woman lost control of motorcycle and landed on her left knee. Immediate pain in her left knee and was unable to ambulate or move her knee. Initial radiographs showed a depressed lateral tibial plateau fracture and from computed tomography (CT) scan showed a depressed posterolateral tibial plateau fracture with incongruence of his joint space. Classifying the injury as a Schatzker type 2 tibial plateau fracture She underwent an arthroscopic-assisted open reduction internal fixation of her lateral tibial plateau.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Various surgical methods are available for treating tibial plateau fractures, including open, fluoroscopic-assisted, and arthroscopic approaches. Promptly addressing depressed articular surfaces is crucial to prevent rapid arthrosis progression. Arthroscopic-assisted procedures offer benefits like direct visualization of reduction, treatment of intra-articular issues, and faster patient recovery. Recent advancements in arthroscopic techniques enable precise reduction without fluoroscopy, reducing soft tissue damage and the risk of complications such as infection and cartilage damage.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic-assisted surgery offers precise treatment for Schatzker type II tibial plateau fractures, representing a promising future direction in surgery.