The operative results of tibial plateau fractures in older patients: a long-term follow-up and review.

A retrospective review of 19 elderly patients (65 years of age or older) with operatively managed tibial plateau fractures demonstrated that most patients had acceptable functional results, based on Rasmussen's criteria. The follow-up period was of 8-14 years (average 11 years). Seventy-nine percent of the patients (15/19) had excellent or good results. They regained their preinjury walking capacity and suffered only occasional pain. Four patients had fair results with limitation of walking capacity, pain on certain positions, and/or pain after activity. One of these 4 patients had significant medial instability. In this age group, internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures and early mobilization appeared to be beneficial in achieving good functional results.