Infection following fractures of the proximal tibia - a systematic review of incidence and outcome

Background

To systematically review all available studies of operatively treated proximal tibia fractures and to report the incidence of superficial or deep infection and subsequent outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature in Medline, Cochrane, Embase and GoogleScholar was conducted to identify studies with cohorts of patients with infection after surgical treatment of proximal tibia fractures. Studies were included according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The studies were analysed for methodological deficiencies and quality of outcome reporting based on the Level of Evidence (LOE) and Coleman Methodology Scoring (CMS.)

Results

In total 32 studies were included. There was heterogeneity between the studies, in terms of subject of the studies, outcome criteria, fracture type and classification, surgical techniques and length of follow-up. Therefore, no meta-analysis could be performed. The average CMS was 54.2 (range 36–75). The included studies were 25 case series (LOE IV), 6 were prospective cohort studies (LOE III) and one was a prospective randomized trial (LOE I). 203 (12.3%, range: 2.6–45.0%) infections occurred in the overall population (n = 2063). Those were divided into 129 deep infections and 74 superficial infections. Revision due to infection was reported in 29 studies, microbiological results in 6, respectively. 72 (55,8%) of 129 cases reporting outcome after deep infection had an unsatisfactory outcome with substantial limitations of the affected joint and leg.

Conclusions

Postoperative infections are a challenge, sometimes requiring several revisions and often with a worse outcome. Further studies with structured study protocols should be performed for a better understanding of risk factors to improve treatment outcomes.

Combined lateral femoral epicondylar osteotomy and a submeniscal approach for the treatment of a tibial plateau fracture involving the posterolateral quadrant

Exposure of a tibial plateau fracture involving the posterolateral quadrant is challenging, and several approaches for treating these fractures have been introduced. However, these approaches may have limited applicability, and they can potentially cause neurovascular, musculotendinous, or ligamentous injury of the posterolateral corner. Lateral femoral epicondylar osteotomy has been used for meniscal transplantation, total knee arthroplasty, and the treatment of posterolateral articular disorders of the femur and tibia. We encountered a case of a tibial plateau fracture involving the posterolateral quadrant without an anterior-extending fracture line. We successfully exposed, reduced, and fixed the fracture using combined lateral femoral epicondylar osteotomy and a submeniscal approach. This combined modality can be used as an alternative surgical technique for the treatment of tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral quadrant.

Characteristics of patients requiring early total knee replacement after surgically treated lateral tibial plateau fractures-A comparative cohort study

PURPOSE

The primary aim of the present study was to compare basic characteristics of patients requiring early treatment with TKR and patients not requiring TKR within 3 years following a lateral tibial plateau fracture.

METHODS

Comparative cohort study. From December 2013 to November 2016, 56 patients were included. Five patients required a TKR within the first 3 years. We compared the basic characteristics (age, gender, BMI, comorbidity, osteoporosis, fracture classification, soft tissue injuries and trauma mechanism) between patients.

RESULTS

Comparing baseline characteristics of the two groups of patients shows a higher rate of females (56.4% vs 80%), a higher BMI (25.9 vs 29.9), a higher rate of patients with diabetes (8% vs 20%), a higher rate of the fracture type AO 41-B1 (8% vs 80%) and a higher rate of soft tissue injuries (46% vs 100%). Age, smoking status and preoperative maximum joint depression were comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Female gender, severe comorbidity, obesity, osteopenia, fracture type AO 41-B and soft tissue injuries were associated to early total knee replacements following surgically treated lateral tibial plateau fractures.

A combined prone and supine approaches for complex three column tibial plateau fracture with posterolateral articular injury

INTRODUCTION

Updated three column fixation of tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) arouse the importance of posterior column articular reduction. Complex TPFs with posterolateral (PL) articular injury is difficult to manage. We presented a strategy of combined positions and approaches to treat these injuries. Surgical technique was described and outcome of these were reported.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2014 Jan to 2016 Dec, there were 132 patients of TPFs treated in our institute. Preoperative evaluation included plain films and 2D/3D CT scan to evaluate the involvement of articular surface and associated columns. Inclusion criteria were three column TPFs with PL corner injury. We put patients in prone position first with reverse L incision to manage PL articular impaction and posteromedial (PM) fractures. Then we repositioned the patients in supine to treat anterolateral fixation. Postoperative radiographic analysis, physical examination findings, and patient reported outcome scores from the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire were recorded.

RESULTS

Patient demographic information was retrospectively reviewed with a mean follow-up time of 34.4 months (range 24-48 months). The average time to union was 5.2 months (range 4-8months). 13/16 (81%) of patients had satisfactory articular reduction by plain films (less than 2 mm articular step off). All patients demonstrated healed without secondary displacement or infection. All patients demonstrated satisfactory coronal (medial proximal tibia angle 84.68 degrees) and sagittal alignment (posterior proximal tibia angle 84.75 degrees). Condylar width averaged 3.93 mm. 3/16 (19%) of cases required posterolateral columnar plating in addition to posteromedial columnar plating. The knee range of motion averaged 115 degrees (ranged from 0 degrees of extension to140 degrees flexion). The average KOOS score was 83/100 (range 76-90). 3 patients in the series developed a surgical site superficial infection and resolved after debridement and oral antibiotics use. No patient eventually received total knee arthroplasty at the last follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

Our strategy provides an effective method to treat three column tibial plateau fractures with PL articular injury.

Autologous versus synthetic bone grafts for the surgical management of tibial plateau fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis, to establish whether differences arise in clinical outcomes between autologous and synthetic bone grafts in the operative management of tibial plateau fractures.

METHODS

A structured search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the online archives of Bone & Joint Publishing, and CENTRAL databases from inception until 28 July 2021 was performed. Randomized, controlled, clinical trials that compared autologous and synthetic bone grafts in tibial plateau fractures were included. Preclinical studies, clinical studies in paediatric patients, pathological fractures, fracture nonunion, or chondral defects were excluded. Outcome data were assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 (ROB2) framework and synthesized in random-effect meta-analysis. The Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidance was followed throughout.

RESULTS

Six studies involving 353 fractures were identified from 3,078 records. Following ROB2 assessment, five studies (representing 338 fractures) were appropriate for meta-analysis. Primary outcomes showed non-significant reductions in articular depression at immediate postoperative (mean difference -0.45 mm, p = 0.25, 95%confidence interval (CI) -1.21 to 0.31, I2 = 0%) and long-term (> six months, standard mean difference -0.56, p = 0.09, 95% CI -1.20 to 0.08, I2 = 73%) follow-up in synthetic bone grafts. Secondary outcomes included mechanical alignment, limb functionality, and defect site pain at long-term follow-up, perioperative blood loss, duration of surgery, occurrence of surgical site infections, and secondary surgery. Mean blood loss was lower (90.08 ml, p < 0.001, 95% CI 41.49 to 138.67) and surgery was shorter (16.17 minutes, p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.39 to 31.94) in synthetic treatment groups. All other secondary measures were statistically comparable.

CONCLUSION

All studies reported similar methodologies and patient populations; however, imprecision may have arisen through performance variation. These findings supersede previous literature and indicate that, despite perceived biological advantages, autologous bone grafting does not demonstrate superiority to synthetic grafts. When selecting a void filler, surgeons should consider patient comorbidity, environmental and societal factors in provision, and perioperative and postoperative care provision. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(3):218-228.

Does Early and Late Weight Bearing Have an Effect on the Results of Elderly Tibial Plateau Fractures with Internal Fixation?: A Multicenter (TRON Group) Study

Introduction

There is still no consensus on the length of the non-bearing period required for tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) treated surgically. Several studies showed that full weight bearing immediately postoperatively does not affect fixation or cause joint collapse in patients with TPF. While there are concerns about weight bearing in the elderly due to fragile bone quality, their physical disability often makes it difficult to carry out activities of daily life when weight bearing is not allowed. The purpose of this study was to assess differences in clinical and radiographic outcomes between an early weight-bearing (EWB) group and a non-weight-bearing (NWB) group following TPF in elderly patients.

Material and Methods

We extracted the data of 432 patients who suffered TPF from January 2011 to December 2020 from a database which is named TRON. We excluded patients with insufficient follow-up postoperatively, AO type A/C fracture, age < 60 years old, multiple trauma, and those lost to follow-up. Finally, 91 patients were eligible. EWB group patients were encouraged to perform partial weight-bearing walking at ≤ 4 weeks after surgery, whereas NWB group patients were not allowed weight bearing for > 4 weeks after surgery. Baseline intergroup differences were adjusted for by matching age, sex, body mass index, smoking history, and injury mechanism. We compared Knee Society Score (KSS), timing of full weight bearing, and X-ray findings including step-off, tibia plateau angle, plateau slope, and condylar widening in the X-rays between the two groups.

Results

There were no significant statistical differences between the EWB group and NWB group after matching. The mean follow-up period was 28.0 (range 12-73) months. All cases did not require reoperation or additional procedures. The median KSS at 12 months or at the last follow up postoperatively was 100 (77-100) vs. 95 (75-100) points (P = 0.33). There were no differences in fracture-related infection rates or wound dehiscence. In the radiological evaluation of EWB and NWB, the correction loss of condylar widening was only significantly greater for EWB compared to NWB.

Conclusions

We found that early weight bearing could contribute to increased condylar widening. While our short-term follow-up didn't reveal any significant clinical differences, this highlights the need for long-term follow-up to comprehensively understand the implications of these radiographic changes.

[MODIFIED POSTEROLATERAL COUNTER-CURVED INCISION WITH DOUBLE INTERMUSCULAR APPROACH IN TREATING POSTEROLATERAL TIBIAL PLATEAU FRACTURES]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of the modified posterolateral counter-curved incision with double intermuscular approach for the treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 32 patients with posterolateral tibial plateau fractures between September 2012 and October 2014. There were 22 males and 10 females, aged 19 to 55 years (mean, 40.5 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident in 17 cases, falling from height in 9 cases, and falling in 6 cases. They had fresh closed fracture; injury to hospitalization time was 3 hours to 5 days (mean, 2 days). According to Schatzker tibial plateau fracture classification criteria, 20 cases were rated as type II, and 12 cases as type III. All patients underwent a modified posterolateral counter-curved incision with double intermuscular approach to expose tibial posterolateral condyle and anterolateral condyle. After a good visual control of fracture reduction, the anterolateral and posterolateral fractures were fixed with two-dimensional buttress plate respectively.

RESULTS

The incisions healed at stage I, with no major neurovascular injury. According to radiological assessment of the DeCoster score, the results were excellent in 21 cases, and fair in 11 cases. All of the 32 patients were followed up 18 to 30 months (mean, 20.5 months). The X-ray films showed that all patients obtained good fracture union, and the mean time of fracture union was 12.3 weeks (range, 10-16 weeks). No fixation failure or no obvious loss of articular surface reduction was observed during follow-up. The range of motion of the affected knees was 2-135° (mean, 120°). The mean American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score was 90.05 (range, 83-96) at 18 months after operation.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified posterolateral counter-curved incision with double intermuscular approach could fully expose posterolateral tibia plateau, and good fracture reduction and reliable fixation can be obtained under direct vision.

What factors are associated with loss of alignment after open reduction and internal fixation for tibial plateau fractures? A retrospective multicenter (TRON group) study

BACKGROUND

Tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) are one of the most challenging intra-articular fractures to treat. Along with reconstruction of the articular surfaces, appropriate alignment of the knee joints must be obtained and maintained after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for TPFs because loss of alignment (LA) is associated with worse clinical outcomes. We aimed to investigate and clarify the risk factors related to LA after ORIF for TPFs.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective cohort study used data of hospitals of the Trauma Research Group (TRON group) from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2020. Among 293 TPFs extracted from the database, we evaluated the alignment of the articular surface to the anatomical axis of the tibia in the immediate postoperative and last follow-up radiographs. We defined a change of alignment from the immediate postoperative radiograph as LA. We evaluated the risk factors of LA using univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

LA was observed in 27 fractures (9.2%). In multiple logistic regression analyses, preoperative articular step-off and postoperative condylar widening were statistically associated with LA (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.02-1.19 and P = 0.012; OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.08, P = 0.045, respectively). We calculated the threshold by drawing a receiver operating characteristic curve using the final regression model. The threshold of postoperative widening was 8.2 mm. We divided the 293 TPFs into two groups according to this threshold and determined differences between the two groups using Fisher's exact test. The two groups were statistically significantly different (P = 0.00502).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative articular step-off and postoperative condylar widening could be associated with LA after ORIF for TPFs. We suggest that intraoperative restoration of condylar widening is important for the prevention of malalignment following ORIF for TPF.

[Diagnostic imaging and classification of proximal femoral and tibia fractures in adults]

BACKGROUND

A confident diagnosis and classification of proximal femoral and tibia fractures are crucial to determine further therapeutic procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this article the current standards regarding diagnostic imaging of proximal femoral and tibia fractures are presented and the different classification systems are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Plain radiography in two planes remains the initial investigation of choice for suspected osseous injury. While this is usually sufficient to determine further procedures for injuries of the proximal femur, cross-sectional imaging is normally necessary in the diagnosis of proximal tibia fractures.

Comparison of virtual reality and computed tomography in the preoperative planning of complex tibial plateau fractures

INTRODUCTION

Preoperative planning is a critical step in the success of any complex surgery. The pur-pose of this study is to evaluate the advantage of VR glasses in surgical planning of complex tibial plateau fractures compared to CT planning.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five orthopedic surgeons performed preoperative planning for 30 fractures using either conventional CT slices or VR visualization with a VR headset. Planning was performed in a randomized order with a 3-month interval between planning sessions. A standardized questionnaire assessed planned operative time, planning time, fracture classification and understanding, and surgeons' subjective confidence in surgical planning.

RESULTS

The mean planned operative time of 156 (SD 47) minutes was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the VR group than in the CT group (172 min; SD 44). The mean planning time in the VR group was 3.48 min (SD 2.4), 17% longer than in the CT group (2.98 min, SD 1.9; p = 0.027). Relevant parameters influencing planning time were surgeon experience (-0.61 min) and estimated complexity of fracture treatment (+ 0.65 min).

CONCLUSION

The use of virtual reality for surgical planning of complex tibial plateau fractures resulted in significantly shorter planned operative time, while planning time was longer compared to CT planning. After VR planning, more surgeons felt (very) well prepared for surgery.

Treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures through the articular line approach

BACKGROUND

Posterolateral tibial plateau fractures pose significant challenges for orthopedic surgeons due to the anatomical risks associated with the posterolateral approach. Despite numerous surgical techniques available, there lacks a consensus on the optimal approach.

METHODS

Articular line incision approach was employed on 12 patients suffering from posterolateral tibial plateau fractures. Preoperative CT scans were utilized to assess the fractures, followed by an articular line incision to expose and fix the fractures with a 3.5 mm low-profile lateral locking compression plate. The surgical outcomes were evaluated through postoperative recovery metrics including pain levels, knee joint stability, and recovery time.

RESULTS

All patients achieved articular surface reduction and stable fixation without complications, loss of reduction, or infection. Postoperative assessments showed normal knee extension, with patients returning to pre-injury work levels. The average range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint was 123.3°, and the average Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score was 96.4, indicating successful recovery outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The articular line incision approach for posterolateral tibial plateau fractures provides a viable alternative to traditional methods. It offers the benefits of reduced trauma, shortened recovery times, and minimized risk of infection, making it a recommendable technique for such fractures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Heterotopic Ossification around the Knee after Internal Fixation of a Complex Tibial Plateau Fracture Combined with the Use of Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM): A Case Report

Demineralized bone matrix has been successfully commercialized as an alternative bone graft material that not only can function as filler but also as an osteoinductive graft. Numerous studies have confirmed its beneficial use in clinical practice. Heterotopic ossification after internal fixation combined with the use of demineralized bone matrix has not been widely reported. In this paper we describe a 39 year old male who sustained a complex articular fracture that developed clinically significant heterotopic ossification after internal fixation with added demineralized bone matrix. Although we cannot be sure that there is a cause-and-effect relation between demineralized bone matrix and the excessive heterotopic ossification seen in our patient, it seems that some caution in using demineralised bone matrix in similar cases is warranted. Also, given the known inter- and intraproduct variability, the risks and benefits of these products should be carefully weighed.