Use of arthroscopy and interporous hydroxyapatite as a bone graft substitute in tibial plateau fractures.

Tibial plateau fractures in 17 patients were managed arthroscopically, using interporous hydroxypatite (HA) as a bone graft substitute. Soft-tissue repair and intra-articular lavages were carried out arthroscopically, and depression of the articular surface was done by elevation of the subchondral plate by the bone compactor through a small window under image intensification and filling with HA through the tibial outer rim. Follow-up periods averaged 2 years and 6 months. According to roentgenograms and computed tomograms no development of arthrosis could be found. All of the patients have been followed to fracture union and have returned to their previous activity levels.