TIBIAL PLATEAU FRACTURES (STUDY OF SURGICAL TREATMENT)

Abstract

These fractures are usually caused from high energy road accidents and sports injuries and are accompanied by meniscal and collateral ruptures. Aim the study is to present the surgical treatment of these fractures in relation to quality and technique of the reduction and the evaluation of results with base clinical and radiological criteria. From 1996 until 2001. 30 patients with mean of age 48.5 years mainly men, we have treated with tibial plateau fractures, that main cause had the road accident. According to the classification of AO, were predominate of type A and associated injuries had 12 patients. The diagnosis became with simple radiographs, tomographies and in 5 with computed tomography. All patients were operated on average 5 days after the injury and were used in 16 with lag screw {8 with subcutaneous technique } and in 14 with buttress plate and screws In the 1/3 of patients were used bone grafts and in 12 were observed rupture of lateral meniscus. They were re-examined 27/30 patients 1–7 years after the injury and the result it was satisfactory in 24/27. A radiologic control revealed arthritic changes in 17 patients and painful only 5 of them. while all patients had been operated with subcutaneous technique of lag screws had excellent result.. 23 came back in their work while serious instability of the Knee was not observed. As shown in the bibliography in this fractures the quality of reduction and atraumatic technique in combination with stable fixation and early range of motion they constitute strategical goals of treatment that it ensures a good result. The arthritic changes are asymptomatic when do not exist serious{ cruciate -meniscal damage -} instability of the Knee.