Early methods of treating high-energy tibial plateau fractures by open reduction and internal fixation led to high infection rates and complications. Alternative treatment methods include minimally invasive techniques and implants, external fixator stabilisation (monolateral and circular) and temporary external fixation followed by delayed definitive surgery. A clear understanding of the different fracture types is critical in achieving optimum results with minimally invasive techniques. The Chertsey classification system is based on the direction of force at the time of injury and helps with surgical planning. There are three groups: valgus, varus or axial fracture patterns.

124 tibial plateau fractures have been surgically treated in our hospital since 1995; there were 62 valgus, 14 varus and 48 axial type fracture patterns. Seventy-nine underwent open reduction with internal fixation, and forty-five had an Ilizarov frame. For valgus fractures the average IOWA knee score was 88 if internally fixed or 86 with an Ilizarov frame, range of motion was 140 and 131 degrees and time to union was 81 versus 126 days respectively. Varus fractures had an IOWA score of 83 (ORIF) and 95 (Ilizarov), ROM of 138 and 130 degrees and time to union of 95 versus 82 days. For axial fractures the average IOWA knee score was 85 (ORIF) compared to 82 (Ilizarov), the ROM was 124 degrees for both groups and time to union was 102 days and 141 days respectively.

Deep vein thrombosis occurred in 9% of cases with an Ilizarov and one patient required a total knee replacement for painful post-traumatic osteoarthritis. The infection rate for those internally fixed was 2.5%, three patients required a total knee replacement and 2.5% suffered a DVT.

Our results are comparable to the literature and the Chertsey classification of tibial plateau fractures helps with surgical planning.