Abstract
Lateral tibial plateau fractures are articular fractures that can have a severe prognosis involving a joint biomechanically and functionally very important.
Osteosynthesis is very often required as the articular surface must be accurately restored.
In many cases rigid devices were implanted, often sacrificing lateral meniscus and leading to osteoarthritic changes in the following years.
In the recent years new diagnostic tools as TC and MRI and the growing role of arthroscopy have allowed a more precise diagnosis and the possible use of less invasive devices.
Considering all fractures classified as B3 according AO (or type 2 by Schatzker), we considered 10 cases treated with Barr screw and 8 cases treated with K-wires positioned as a shelf after reduction and bone grafting.
All patients underwent an accelerated rehabilitation protocol with immediate mobilization and full weight bearing within 10 weeks.
At the follow-up at 24 months, both the groups showed very good and comparable clinical, radiographical and functional results.
We can conclude that after an accurate preoperative planning also the use of less invasive devices allow a quick recovery of range of motion without compromising the stability of osteosynthesis and the morphology of knee joint.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Roger Lemaire. Correspondence should be addressed to EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
