Tibial Plateau Fracture

Imaging Review of Different Subchondral Insufficiency Fractures

ABSTRACT

Subchondral fractures are a common cause of joint pain that may ultimately lead to articular collapse and the need for arthroplasty. This type of fracture has been reported at multiple joints throughout the body. While clinical and radiographic resolution can be achieved, progressive bone collapse can occur and lead to a variety of complications. Understanding the pertinent imaging findings can aid in the early evaluation of subchondral fractures and in the prevention of their associated complications.

Joint line plate fixation for tibial plateau fractures caused by hyperextension varus

The present study evaluated the outcomes of internal fixation with a joint line plate in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures caused by hyperextension of the varus. The study included 25 cases (13 males and 12 females; age, 19-71 years) of tibial plateau fracture caused by hyperextension of the varus, which were treated at Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College (Wuhan, China) between January 2015 and June 2017. Fractures were treated with internal fixations of the inner cortex with a self-clipped joint line plate made of steel. After the surgery, patients were examined immediately and at 3, 6 and 12 months. Healing was evaluated by X-ray examination. All cases were cured during follow-up. After surgery, one patient developed partial necrosis of the skin margin of the incision and recovered after a dressing change. Furthermore, one patient with a concomitant peroneal nerve injury and hypoesthesia recovered after treatment with neurotrophic drugs. No screw loosening, fractures or failure of the internal fixations occurred. According to the X-ray results, there were significant differences in the tibial plateau angle (TPA) and medial posterior slope angle (m-PSA) between the pre-operative stage and 12 months post-operatively (P<0.05). However, no significant differences in either the TPA or m-PSA were present between the immediate post-operative stage and 12 months post-operatively (P>0.05). In conclusion, internal fixation with a joint line plate is an appropriate treatment for tibial plateau fractures involving the anteromedial margin with good clinical efficacy.