Advertisement for orthosearch.org.uk
Results 1 - 20 of 25
Results per page:
Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 4, Issue 4 | Pages 273 - 282
20 Apr 2023
Gupta S Yapp LZ Sadczuk D MacDonald DJ Clement ND White TO Keating JF Scott CEH

Aims

To investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) after tibial plateau fracture (TPF) compared to preinjury and population matched values, and what aspects of treatment were most important to patients.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective, case-control study of 67 patients at mean 3.5 years (SD 1.3; 1.3 to 6.1) after TPF (47 patients underwent fixation, and 20 nonoperative management). Patients completed EuroQol five-dimension three-level (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire, Lower Limb Function Scale (LEFS), and Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) for current and recalled prefracture status. Propensity score matching for age, sex, and deprivation in a 1:5 ratio was performed using patient level data from the Health Survey for England to obtain a control group for HRQoL comparison. The primary outcome was the difference in actual (TPF cohort) and expected (matched control) EQ-5D-3L score after TPF.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 105-B, Issue SUPP_6 | Pages 5 - 5
20 Mar 2023
Gupta S Sadczuk D Riddoch F Oliver W Davidson E White TO Keating JF Scott CEH
Full Access

We aimed to determine the rate of and risk factors for post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) requirement after operative management of tibial plateau fractures (TPF) in older adults. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 182 operatively managed TPFs in 180 patients ≥60 years old over a 12-year period with minimum follow up 1 year. Data including patient demographics, clinical frailty scores, mechanism of injury, management, reoperation and mortality were recorded. Radiographs were reviewed for: Schatzker classification; pre-existing knee osteoarthritis (KOA); severe joint depression >15mm; and development of PTOA. Kaplan Meier survival analysis was performed. Regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for radiographic indication for TKA and actual TKA. Forty-seven percent were Schatzker II fractures. Radiographic KOA was present at fracture in 32.6%. Fracture fixation was performed in 95.6% cases and acute TKA in 4.4%. Thirteen patients underwent late TKA (7.5%). At five-years, 11.8% (6.0-16.7 95% CI) had required TKA and 20.9% (14.4-27.4 95% CI) had a radiographic indication for TKA. Severe joint depression and pre-existing KOA were associated with worse survival for endpoints radiographic indication for TKA and actual TKA. Severe joint depression (HR 2.49(1.35-4.61 95% CI), p=0.004), pre-existing KOA (HR 2.23(1.17-4.23), p=0.015) and inflammatory arthropathy (HR 2.4(1.04-5.53), p=0.039) were independently associated with radiographic indication for TKA. In conclusion, severe joint depression and pre-existing arthritis are independent risk factors for both severe PTOA and TKA after TPFs in older adults. These features should be considered as an indication for primary management with acute TKA


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 105-B, Issue 2 | Pages 112 - 123
1 Feb 2023
Duckworth AD Carter TH Chen MJ Gardner MJ Watts AC

Despite being one of the most common injuries around the elbow, the optimal treatment of olecranon fractures is far from established and stimulates debate among both general orthopaedic trauma surgeons and upper limb specialists. It is almost universally accepted that stable non-displaced fractures can be safely treated nonoperatively with minimal specialist input. Internal fixation is recommended for the vast majority of displaced fractures, with a range of techniques and implants to choose from. However, there is concern regarding the complication rates, largely related to symptomatic metalwork resulting in high rates of implant removal. As the number of elderly patients sustaining these injuries increases, we are becoming more aware of the issues associated with fixation in osteoporotic bone and the often fragile soft-tissue envelope in this group. Given this, there is evidence to support an increasing role for nonoperative management in this high-risk demographic group, even in those presenting with displaced and/or multifragmentary fracture patterns. This review summarizes the available literature to date, focusing predominantly on the management techniques and available implants for stable fractures of the olecranon. It also offers some insights into the potential avenues for future research, in the hope of addressing some of the pertinent questions that remain unanswered.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):112–123.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 10, Issue 7 | Pages 380 - 387
5 Jul 2021
Shen J Sun D Fu J Wang S Wang X Xie Z

Aims

In contrast to operations performed for other fractures, there is a high incidence rate of surgical site infection (SSI) post-open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) done for tibial plateau fractures (TPFs). This study investigates the effect of induced membrane technique combined with internal fixation for managing SSI in TPF patients who underwent ORIF.

Methods

From April 2013 to May 2017, 46 consecutive patients with SSI post-ORIF for TPFs were managed in our centre with an induced membrane technique. Of these, 35 patients were included for this study, with data analyzed in a retrospective manner.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 9, Issue 6 | Pages 258 - 267
1 Jun 2020
Yao X Zhou K Lv B Wang L Xie J Fu X Yuan J Zhang Y

Aims

Tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) are complex injuries around the knee caused by high- or low-energy trauma. In the present study, we aimed to define the distribution and frequency of TPF lines using a 3D mapping technique and analyze the rationalization of divisions employed by frequently used classifications.

Methods

In total, 759 adult patients with 766 affected knees were retrospectively reviewed. The TPF fragments on CT were multiplanar reconstructed, and virtually reduced to match a 3D model of the proximal tibia. 3D heat mapping was subsequently created by graphically superimposing all fracture lines onto a tibia template.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 102-B, Issue 5 | Pages 632 - 637
1 May 2020
Gonzalez LJ Hildebrandt K Carlock K Konda SR Egol KA

Aims. Tibial plateau fractures are serious injuries about the knee that have the potential to affect patients’ long-term function. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with a musculoskeletal focus to assess the long-term outcome, as compared to a short-term outcome baseline, of tibial plateau fractures treated using modern techniques. Methods. In total, 102 patients who sustained a displaced tibial plateau fracture and underwent operative repair by one of three orthopaedic traumatologists at a large, academic medical centre and had a minimum of five-year follow-up were identified. Breakdown of patients by Schatzker classification is as follows: two (1.9%) Schatzker I, 54 (50.9%) Schatzker II, two (1.9%) Schatzker III, 13 (12.3%) Schatzker IV, nine (8.5%) Schatzker V, and 26 (24.5%) Schatzker VI. Follow-up data obtained included: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores, Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA), and knee range of movement (ROM). Data at latest follow-up were then compared to 12-month data using a paired t-test. Results. Patient-reported functional outcomes as assessed by overall SMFA were statistically significantly improved at five years (p < 0.001) compared with one-year data from the same patients. Patients additionally reported an improvement in the Standardized Mobility Index (p < 0.001), Standardized Emotional Index (p < 0.001), as well as improvement in Standardized Bothersome Index (p = 0.003) between the first year and latest follow-up. Patient-reported pain and knee ROM were similar at five years to their one-year follow-up. In total, 15 of the patients had undergone subsequent orthopaedic surgery for their knees at the time of most recent follow-up. Of note, only one patient had undergone knee arthroplasty following plateau fixation related to post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA). Conclusion. Knee pain following tibial plateau fracture stabilizes at one year. However, PROs continue to improve beyond one year following tibial plateau fracture, at least in a statistical sense, if not also clinically. Patients displayed statistical improvement across nearly all SMFA index scores at their minimum five-year follow-up compared with their one-year follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(5):632–637


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 8, Issue 8 | Pages 357 - 366
1 Aug 2019
Zhang B Sun H Zhan Y He Q Zhu Y Wang Y Luo C

Objectives. CT-based three-column classification (TCC) has been widely used in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures (TPFs). In its updated version (updated three-column concept, uTCC), a fracture morphology-based injury mechanism was proposed for effective treatment guidance. In this study, the injury mechanism of TPFs is further explained, and its inter- and intraobserver reliability is evaluated to perfect the uTCC. Methods. The radiological images of 90 consecutive TPF patients were collected. A total of 47 men (52.2%) and 43 women (47.8%) with a mean age of 49.8 years (. sd. 12.4; 17 to 77) were enrolled in our study. Among them, 57 fractures were on the left side (63.3%) and 33 were on the right side (36.7%); no bilateral fracture existed. Four observers were chosen to classify or estimate independently these randomized cases according to the Schatzker classification, TCC, and injury mechanism. With two rounds of evaluation, the kappa values were calculated to estimate the inter- and intrareliability. Results. The overall inter- and intraobserver agreements of the injury mechanism were substantial (κ. inter. = 0.699, κ. intra. = 0.749, respectively). The initial position and the force direction, which are two components of the injury mechanism, had substantial agreement for both inter-reliability or intrareliability. The inter- and intraobserver agreements were lower in high-energy fractures (Schatzker types IV to VI; κ. inter. = 0.605, κ. intra. = 0.721) compared with low-energy fractures (Schatzker types I to III; κ. inter. = 0.81, κ. intra. = 0.832). The inter- and intraobserver agreements were relatively higher in one-column fractures (κ. inter. = 0.759, κ. intra. = 0.801) compared with two-column and three-column fractures. Conclusion. The complete theory of injury mechanism of TPFs was first put forward to make the TCC consummate. It demonstrates substantial inter- and intraobserver agreement generally. Furthermore, the injury mechanism can be promoted clinically. Cite this article: B-B. Zhang, H. Sun, Y. Zhan, Q-F. He, Y. Zhu, Y-K. Wang, C-F. Luo. Reliability and repeatability of tibial plateau fracture assessment with an injury mechanism-based concept. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:357–366. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.88.BJR-2018-0331.R1


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 4, Issue 6 | Pages 21 - 23
1 Dec 2015

The December 2015 Trauma Roundup360 looks at: Delay to surgery in hip fracture; Hexapod fixators in the management of hypertrophic tibial nonunions; Thromboembolism after nailing pathological fractures; Tibial plateau fracture patterns under the spotlight; The health economic effects of long bone nonunion; Adverse outcomes in trauma; The sacral screw in children; Treating the contralateral SUFE


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1693 - 1697
1 Dec 2015
Keightley AJ Nawaz SZ Jacob JT Unnithan A Elliott DS Khaleel A

This study aimed to determine the long-term functional, clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with Schatzker IV to VI fractures of the tibial plateau treated with an Ilizarov frame. Clinical, functional and radiological assessment was carried out at a minimum of one year post-operatively. A cohort of 105 patients (62 men, 43 women) with a mean age of 49 years (15 to 87) and a mean follow-up of 7.8 years (1 to 19) were reviewed. There were 18 type IV, 10 type V and 77 type VI fractures. All fractures united with a mean time to union of 20.1 weeks (10.6 to 42.3). No patient developed a deep infection. The median range of movement (ROM) of the knee was 110o and the median Iowa score was 85.

Our study demonstrates good long-term functional outcome with no deep infection; spanning the knee had no detrimental effect on the ROM or functional outcome.

High-energy fractures of the tibial plateau may be treated effectively with a fine wire Ilizarov fixator.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1693–7.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 6 | Pages 836 - 841
1 Jun 2015
Jónsson BY Mjöberg B

A total of 20 patients with a depressed fracture of the lateral tibial plateau (Schatzker II or III) who would undergo open reduction and internal fixation were randomised to have the metaphyseal void in the bone filled with either porous titanium granules or autograft bone. Radiographs were undertaken within one week, after six weeks, three months, six months, and after 12 months.

The primary outcome measure was recurrent depression of the joint surface: a secondary outcome was the duration of surgery.

The risk of recurrent depression of the joint surface was lower (p < 0.001) and the operating time less (p < 0.002) when titanium granules were used.

The indication is that it is therefore beneficial to use porous titanium granules than autograft bone to fill the void created by reducing a depressed fracture of the lateral tibial plateau. There is no donor site morbidity, the operating time is shorter and the risk of recurrent depression of the articular surface is less.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:836–41


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 97-B, Issue SUPP_5 | Pages 24 - 24
1 May 2015
Casey R Khaleel A
Full Access

Background. The Schatzker classification is applied in the management of tibial plateau fractures. The unique pattern of Schatzker VI fractures requires recognition for proper fixation. Method:. We have treated 33 patients with Schatzker IV tibial plateau fractures including non-unions and mal-unions. Patients had a temporary spanning Ilizarov frame with intraoperative distraction, articular reconstruction and olive wires for indirect reduction. No open surgery was performed. Patients mobilised fully weight-bearing and underwent post-operative CT scan and regular outpatient reviews. At six weeks the femoral ring was removed, and patients underwent a staged dynamisation protocol prior to frame removal. Results:. Twenty seven patients have achieved union and completed at least 1-year follow-up. Of these, 25 were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 5.4 years. The mean IOWA score was 85 and the mean ROM was 119 degrees. Two patients were not contactable for final review. The remaining six patients are still undergoing treatment. The mean time to union was 145 days. Conclusion:. Shatzker IV fracture requires understanding of the axial/valgus pattern of injury so that appropriate fixation can be applied to produce good results


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 4 | Pages 532 - 538
1 Apr 2015
Scott CEH Davidson E MacDonald DJ White TO Keating JF

Radiological evidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) after fracture of the tibial plateau is common but end-stage arthritis which requires total knee arthroplasty is much rarer.

The aim of this study was to examine the indications for, and outcomes of, total knee arthroplasty after fracture of the tibial plateau and to compare this with an age and gender-matched cohort of TKAs carried out for primary osteoarthritis.

Between 1997 and 2011, 31 consecutive patients (23 women, eight men) with a mean age of 65 years (40 to 89) underwent TKA at a mean of 24 months (2 to 124) after a fracture of the tibial plateau. Of these, 24 had undergone ORIF and seven had been treated non-operatively. Patients were assessed pre-operatively and at 6, 12 and > 60 months using the Short Form-12, Oxford Knee Score and a patient satisfaction score.

Patients with instability or nonunion needed total knee arthroplasty earlier (14 and 13.3 months post-injury) than those with intra-articular malunion (50 months, p < 0.001). Primary cruciate-retaining implants were used in 27 (87%) patients. Complication rates were higher in the PTOA cohort and included wound complications (13% vs 1% p = 0.014) and persistent stiffness (10% vs 0%, p = 0.014). Two (6%) PTOA patients required revision total knee arthroplasty at 57 and 114 months. The mean Oxford knee score was worse pre-operatively in the cohort with primary osteoarthritis (18 vs 30, p < 0.001) but there were no significant differences in post-operative Oxford knee score or patient satisfaction (primary osteoarthritis 86%, PTOA 78%, p = 0.437).

Total knee arthroplasty undertaken after fracture of the tibial plateau has a higher rate of complications than that undertaken for primary osteoarthritis, but patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction are comparable.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:532–8.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 1 | Pages 109 - 114
1 Jan 2015
Haller JM Holt DC McFadden ML Higgins TF Kubiak EN

The aim of this study was to report the incidence of arthrofibrosis of the knee and identify risk factors for its development following a fracture of the tibial plateau. We carried out a retrospective review of 186 patients (114 male, 72 female) with a fracture of the tibial plateau who underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Their mean age was 46.4 years (19 to 83) and the mean follow-up was16.0 months (6 to 80).

A total of 27 patients (14.5%) developed arthrofibrosis requiring a further intervention. Using multivariate regression analysis, the use of a provisional external fixator (odds ratio (OR) 4.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26 to 17.7, p = 0.021) was significantly associated with the development of arthrofibrosis. Similarly, the use of a continuous passive movement (CPM) machine was associated with significantly less development of arthrofibrosis (OR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.83, p = 0.024). The effect of time in an external fixator was found to be significant, with each extra day of external fixation increasing the odds of requiring manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) or quadricepsplasty by 10% (OR = 1.10, p = 0.030). High-energy fracture, surgical approach, infection and use of tobacco were not associated with the development of arthrofibrosis. Patients with a successful MUA had significantly less time to MUA (mean 2.9 months; sd 1.25) than those with an unsuccessful MUA (mean 4.86 months; sd 2.61, p = 0.014). For those with limited movement, therefore, performing an MUA within three months of the injury may result in a better range of movement.

Based our results, CPM following operative fixation for a fracture of the tibial plateau may reduce the risk of the development of arthrofibrosis, particularly in patients who also undergo prolonged provisional external fixation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:109–14.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_10 | Pages 10 - 10
1 Jul 2014
Keightley A Nawaz S Elliott D Khaleel A
Full Access

The purpose of this study was to review the long term functional results of patients undergoing treatment for high energy tibial plateau fractures. Between January 1994 and June 2013 our unit managed 105 high energy tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker IV-VI) with an Ilizarov frame. All cases were treated via ligamentotaxis and percutaneous fine wire fixation or with a limited open reduction of the joint surface. A retrospective analysis of all patients that have undergone Ilizarov fixation of a tibial plateau fracture was performed with radiological and clinical functional outcome measurements. We analysed 105 patients with a mean follow up of 93.5 months (range 5–200). The patient group had an average age of 49 years (range 15–87) with 62 patients being male. Fracture pattern was analysed with Schatzker's classification showing 18 type IV, 10 type V and 77 type VI tibial plateau fractures. All fractures had an average time to union of 145 days. Patients had and average range of movement of 117 degrees. Patients undergoing Ilizarov treatment for high energy tibial plateau fractures achieve successful results long term. Definitive treatment should be decided with respect to fracture pattern and the soft tissue envelope. The management aim should be to achieve anatomical reduction and stable fixation to enable early mobilization. Our study confirms the good functional outcomes and low morbidity that can be achieved in high energy fractures treated with Ilizarov fixation


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 95-B, Issue SUPP_1 | Pages 160 - 160
1 Jan 2013
Patangesubbarao S Lewis J Mohanty K
Full Access

Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate inter observer reliability and intra observer reproducibility between the three column classification using 3D CT reconstruction models and schatzker classification systems using 2D CT models. Materials and methods. Fifty two consecutive patients with tibial plateau fractures were evaluated by two orthopaedic surgeons. All patients were classified into Schatzker and three column classification systems using CTimages. The Images were evaluated in a randomised and blind fashion. Demographics of the patient were blinded to reduce observer bias. The inter observer reliability was measured for both classfications in round one. In round two the process was repeated after two weeks and the intra observer reproducibility was measured using cohen kappa coefficient and level of agreement based on Landis and Koch. Results. The average inter observer reliability for schatzker classification in round one were (k2D=0.661, 95% CI 0.531–0.697) in round two (k2D = 0.673, 95% CI 0.451–0.774). The three column classification average in round one were (k3D=0.851 95% CI 0.705–0.968), in round two (k3D=0.929 95% CI 0.813–1.00). The average intra observer reproducibility for Schatzker classification in round two for the first obsrever were (k2D=0.689 IQR, 0.6–0.846) for observer two (k2D=0.656 IQR 0.2988–1.0). The average intra observer reproducibility for three column for observer one were (k3D=0.693 IQR, 0.484-.859), for observer two (k3D=0.711 IQR, 0.5185–0.8294). 31 % of patients had a posterior column involvement. Conclusion. Statistically significant inter observer values in both rounds were noted with the three column classification making it, statistically an excellent agreement. The intra observer reproducibility for the three column classification improved as compared to the schatzker classification. The three column classification seems to be effective way to characterise and classify fractures of tibial plateau


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XVII | Pages 28 - 28
1 May 2012
Ong J Mitra A Harty J
Full Access

Objective. To determine differences in fracture stability and functional outcome between synthetic bone graft and allograft/autograft with internal fixation of tibia plateau metaphyseal defects. Patient & Methods. Between 2007- 2008, 84 consecutive cases of internal fixation of tibia plateaux were identified from our theater logbook. 29 patients required additional autologous, allogenic bone graft, or synthetic bone graft substitute to ensure fracture stability. 5 patients were excluded due to lost to follow up leaving a cohort of 24 patients. Hydroxyapatite calcium carbonate synthetic bone graft was utilised in 14 patients (6 male and 8 female). Allograft/autograft were utilised in the remaining 10 patients (6 male and 4 female). All 24 patients had closed fractures, classified using the AO and Schatzker classification. Roentograms at presentation, post-operatively and regular follow-up till 12 months were analysed for maintenance of reduction, early and late subsidence of the articular surface. Functional outcomes such as knee range of movement and WOMAC Knee scores were compared between groups. Results. There was no significant statistical difference between groups for post-operative joint reduction, long term subsidence, and WOMAC scores. The degree of subsidence was not related to age or fracture severity. Maintenance of knee flexion was found to be better in the allograft/autograft group (p=0.015) when compared between groups. Multivariate analysis compared graft type, fracture severity, postoperative reduction, subsidence rate, range of movement and WOMAC score. The only finding was a statistical significant (p=0.025) association with the graft type and range of movement. Conclusion. Allograft/autograft may allow better recovery of long-term flexion, possibly due to reduced inflammatory response compared with synthetic bone graft. However, all other parameters such as maintenance of joint reduction and subjective outcome measures were comparable with the use of hydroxyapatite calcium carbonate bone graft. This study shows that synthetic bone graft is a suitable option in fixation of unstable tibia plateau fractures, avoiding risk of viral disease transmission with allograft and donor site morbidity associated with autograft


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 93-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 364 - 364
1 Jul 2011
Plessas S Louverdis D Mavroeidis P Bourlekas A Stroboulas G Prevezas N
Full Access

During the last few years, the arthroscopically assisted technique for reduction and internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures is of increasing popularity. The accumulated surgical experience allowed the possibility of treating type I, II, III according to Schatzker classification. During the last two years 17 patients who had suffered a tibial plateau fracture were treated this way. The mean age was 44 years, while the mean FU was 16 months. According to Schatzker classification 8 fractures were type I, 6 fractures type II and 3 fractures type III. The bone reduction was achieved under arthroscopic view and flouroscopy. In all cases the fracture was fixed by the with cannulated Herbert type screws. Meniscal lesions were fixed in 9 patients, while in 5 patients ruptures of the ACL were detected, which were reconstructed at a later stage. Full range of motion of the knee was restored in 11 patients, while lack of full knee flexion (mean 100) was found in 6 patients. All patients were assessed with a modified Lyslom Knee Scale. The Knee score was 85 points to 96 points (mean 92 points), while the anterior knee pain was the common problem especially following increased activities. The proposed arthroscopically assisted technique for reduction and fixation of certain types of tibial plateau fractures consists a alternative minimal invasive approach. Visualization of the whole joint is possible and concomitant lesions can be detected and possibly fixed at the same time


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 93-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 372 - 372
1 Jul 2011
Kessidis E Anagnostidis K Makris B Michailidis G Kirkos I Kapetanos G
Full Access

To determine the effectiveness of Ilizarov external fixator in the treatment of complex fractures of the tibial plateau. From July 2006 to April 2009, we treated 10 patients with the Ilizarov fixator. Six men and four women ranging in age from 31 to 70 (mean age 56.3 years) were evaluated. All patients were preoperatively evaluated with Computed Tomography scans for better preoperative planning. Eight cases had fractures type VI according to Schatzker Classification and 2 cases type V. In all patients fixation included pushing olive wires or simple wires and 2 to 4 frames. In 4 patients minimal invasive open reduction was performed with use of bone allograft. In 2 fractures, we combined the treatment with minimal internal fixation. There was no major complication trans- or postoperatively. The mean follow-up was 16 months (4–30). The mean hospitalization was 8 days and there were no cases of blood transfusion. Mobilization with no weight-bearing was immediately allowed, with partial weight bearing after 2 months and full weight bearing after 3 months. Three patients had minor pin tract complications. The average duration of external fixation was 120 days. All the fractures united and patients achieved full extension with more than 110 degrees of flexion. Ilizarov circular fixation is an alternative method of treatment for these fractures when internal fixation is contraindicated due to trauma to the soft tissue, deficiency of bone stock, and bony comminution


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 93-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 104 - 104
1 May 2011
Doornberg J Rademakers M Van Den Bekerom M Kerkhoffs G Ahn J Steller E Kloen P
Full Access

Background: Complex fractures of the tibial plateau can be difficult to characterize on plain radiographs and two-dimensional computed tomography scans. We tested the hypothesis that three-dimensional computed tomography reconstructions improve the reliability of tibial plateau fracture characterization and classification. Methods: Forty-five consecutive intra-articular fractures of the tibial plateau were evaluated by six independent observers for the presence of six fracture characteristics that are not specifically included in currently used classification schemes:. posteromedial shear fracture;. coronal plane fracture;. lateral condylar impaction;. medial condylar impaction;. tibial spine involvement;. separation of tibial tubercle necessitating anteroposterior lag screw fixation. In addition, fractures were classified according to the AO/OTA Comprehensive Classification of Fractures, the Schatzker classification system and the Hohl and Moore system. Two rounds of evaluation were performed and then compared. First, a combination of plain radiographs and two-dimensional computed tomography scans (2D) were evaluated, and then, four weeks later, a combination of radiographs, two-dimensional computed tomography scans, and three-dimensional reconstructions of computed tomography scans (3D) were assessed. Results: Interobserver agreement improved for all classification systems after the addition of three-dimensional reconstructions (AO/OTA κ2D = 0.536 versus κ3D = 0.545; Schatzker κ2D = 0.545 versus κ3D = 0.596; Hohl and Moore κ2D = 0.668 versus κ3D = 0.746). Three-dimensional computed tomography reconstructions also improved the average intraobserver reliability for all fracture characteristics, from κ2D = 0.624 (substantial agreement) to κ3D = 0.687 (substantial agreement). The addition of three-dimensional images had limited infiuence on the average interobserver reliability for the recognition of specific fracture characteristics (κ2D = 0.488 versus κ3D = 0.485, both moderate agreement). Three-dimensional computed tomography images improved interobserver reliability for the recognition of coronal plane fractures from fair (κ2D = 0.398) to moderate (κ3D = 0.418) but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Three-dimensional computed tomography is helpful for;. individual orthopaedic surgeons for preoperative planning (improves intraobserver reliability for the recognition of fracture characteristics), and for. comparison of clinical outcomes in the orthopaedic literature (improves interobserver reliability of classification systems)


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 91-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 293 - 293
1 May 2009
Maripuri S Thomas M Rao P Mohanty K
Full Access

Introduction: Fracture classification systems help in communication, treatment planning, assessing prognosis and form standards to report treatment results. The ideal classification system should be reliable, reproducible, all-inclusive, mutually exclusive, logical and clinically useful. The aim of our study was to assess the inter observer reliability and intra observer variability for the AO, Schatzker and Hohl and Moore classification systems. Materials and Methods: We randomly selected fifty sets of radiographs of tibial plateau fractures occurred between 2000 and 2005. Exclusion criteria: Only one available view, inadequate films. Four orthopaedic surgeons at various level of experience i.e. one senior senior house officer, two registrars and a trauma consultant classified the fractures. Radiographs were blinded and each time the radiographs were presented to the observers in a different order. Radiographs were viewed at two separate sittings 8 weeks apart. The data was analysed using kappa statistics through SPSS version 14. The Kappa co-efficients were interpreted according to Landis and Koch grading. (< 0.00=poor; 0.0–0.2=slight, 0.21–0.4=fair, 0.41–0.60=moderate, 0.61–0.8=substanti al,> 0.8=excellent). Results: For the AO classification the mean kappa co-efficients for inter-observer and intra-observer reliability were 0.36 (0.33–0.39) and 0.83(0.61–1.00) respectively. For the Schatzker classification the mean kappa co-efficients for inter-observer and intra-observer reliability were 0.47(0.45–0.49) and 0.90(0.75–1.00) respectively. For the Hohl& Moore classification mean kappa values for inter-observer and intra-observer variability were 0.14 and 0.81(0.59–1.00) respectively. According to Landis and Koch grading, AO classification is fair in terms of interobserver reliability, the Schatzker classification is moderate and the Hohl& Moore is slight. Conclusions: None of the three systems fulfils the criteria for an ideal classification system. However, the Schatzker classification system was found to be superior. The Hohl& Moore system was least reliable of all. Hence, we recommend usage of Schatzker classification system in tibial plateau fractures both in clinical practice and clinical studies until a superior classification system evolves