Split-Depressed Lateral Tibial Plateau Fractures: A Comparison of Augmented Percutaneous Screws Versus Augmented Plate and Screw Construct in a Cadaveric Model

Clinical Comparison of the "Windowing" Technique and the "Open Book" Technique in Schatzker Type II Tibial Plateau Fracture

Objective

Surgical treatment for Schatzker type II tibial plateau fractures remains challenging and requires high‐quality research. The aim of the study is to compare the “windowing” and “open book” techniques for the treatment of Schatzker type II tibial plateau fractures.

Methods

In this prospective study, all patients with Schatzker type II tibial plateau fractures between January 2014 and December 2017 were managed by open reduction and internal fixation using an anterolateral incision approach. “Windowing” group included 78 patients (53 men and 25 women), with an average age of 57.7 ± 13.5 years, who underwent the “windowing” technique, in which the procedure was performed through a small cortical window against the depressed zone of the lateral plateau. The “open book” group included 80 patients (56 men and 24 women), with an average age of 54.8 ± 12.4 years, who underwent the technique. The clinical outcomes included the Rasmussen classification of knee function and grading of post‐traumatic arthritis. The radiographic outcome (x‐ray and computed tomography [CT]) was the reduction quality of the lateral plateau based on the modified Rasmussen radiological assessment. The patient‐reported outcome was visual analogue scale (VAS) scores.

Results

The mean follow‐up time for the158 patients was 32 months (range, 24–42 months). The time elapsed from injury to surgery in “windowing” group and “open book” group were 3.7 ± 1.2 (range, 1–10 days) and 3.5 ± 1.4 days (range, 1–11 days), respectively, with no significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). The operation times did not differ significantly between the “windowing” group (61.0 ± 8.3 min, range, 45–120 min) and the “open book” group (61.2 ± 10.4 min, range, 40–123 min) (P > 0.05). After surgery, CT revealed five (6.4%) and 15 (18.8%) cases of articular depression in the “windowing” and “open book” groups, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the articular depression of tibial plateau fractures between the groups (P < 0.05). However, condylar widening or valgus/varus did not differ significantly between the groups. Furthermore, no significant differences in knee function were observed during follow‐up (P > 0.05). VAS scores were similar between the groups at 24 months after surgery (P > 0.05). There were significant differences in the number of severe post‐traumatic arthritis (grades 2 and 3) cases between the groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The “windowing” and “open book” techniques are both effective for the treatment of Schatzker type II tibial plateau fractures. However, the “windowing” technique provides better reduction quality, leading to a satisfactory prognosis.

Low profile fragment specific plate fixation of lateral tibial plateau fractures - A technical note

PURPOSE

Precontoured plates used to stabilize lateral tibial plateau (LTP) fractures are limited in their ability to raft particular areas of the reconstructed articular surface. These implants also do not fit every individual's bony anatomy and can lead to soft tissue irritation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate fragment specific plate fixation of LTP fractures using generic small and mini fragment constructs.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case series of LTP fractures treated with small fragment tubular and/or mini fragment plate constructs at a single Level I trauma center. Postoperative complications were recorded. Final radiographs were analyzed to determine union and interval subsidence of the articular surface and/or loss of reduction.

RESULTS

All 19 LTP fractures healed without loss of reduction or implant failure. There was minimal interval subsidence of the LTP in all patients. There were no complications or reoperations for symptomatic implant removal within the given follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Fragment specific fixation of LTP fractures using small and mini fragment plates creates a lower profile construct that reliably maintains fracture reduction to union.

Augmented Fixation for Fractures of the Appendicular Skeleton

Despite advances in technology such as locked plating, osteoporotic bone and bone defects remain challenging complications for orthopaedic surgeons. The concept of augmented fixation is useful in these settings. Augmented fixation can be described as improving construct strength and stability by enhancing the surrounding environment. By understanding and using the techniques of alternative fixation strategies, endosteal or medullary support, structural grafting, or the use of bone graft substitutes in combination with standard or integrated fixation, surgeons can improve the chances of success when treating difficult fractures. The purpose of this article is to introduce the reader to the concept of augmented fixation, review strategies for its application, and review applicable published results.