A prospective study of functional outcome of closed schatzker type V and type VI tibial plateau fractures managed by open reduction and internal fixation

Abstract

Knee joints comprised of the distal femur, proximal tibia & patella. Injuries of the knee must be treated properly to maintain a good knee function. Fractures of the tibia plateau represent 1% of all fractures and approximately 8% of fractures occurring in the elderly. The aim was to study the “functional outcome of treatment of closed schatzker type V and type VI tibial plateau fractures using locking compression plate”. In this study, twenty patients with tibia plateau fractures who presented to our casualty were studied. All the patients were victims of road traffic accidents. Once they were thermodynamically stable, were clinically examined and assessed for associated injuries.  Out of 11 patients with Type VI fractures, 4(36%) had excellent results, 4(36%) had good results, 2(18%) had fair results and 1(9%) had poor results. The poor result was due to the associated pelvic injury, which interrupted the regular post-op rehabilitation. Out of 9 patients with type V fractures, 2(22%) had excellent results and 7(78%) had good results according to Rasmussen Radiologic Assessment. Hence, early mobilization is absolutely essential for preventing the knee stiffness & for quick articular cartilage regeneration. Weight-bearing should be delayed until solid union to prevent the articular collapse.