Evaluation of Surgical Techniques in Management of Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fractures

Abstract

Background: Tibial plateau fractures are one of the most common intraarticular fractures caused by coronal or axial compressive forces. This study aimed to compare the functional outcome and the complication rate between double-plate and single lateral locked in patients  with bicondylar tibial plateau fractures.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted in Zagazig University hospitals, in the  period from August 2021 to February 2022, 18 patients complaining of tibial plateau fracture; either Schatzker type V or VI, were Included  and divided into two groups: the single lateral plate (SLP) group including nine patients, and the double plate (DP) group including also nine patients. Majority of the patients were males in both groups. The road traffic accidents (RTA) were the leading cause of fracture in  SLP group. While fall from height (FFH) was the most common cause of fracture in DP group. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of  whole tibia from knee to ankle were obtained. CT scans were done for all cases to accurately delineate fracture type and extent, fragment  size and location, the degree of articular depression or displacement. The clinical evaluation was based on Rasmussen scoring  system with six months follow-up.

Results: Rasmussen functional score showed significant improvement from the 1st month till the 6th  onth. There were no significant differences between the two methods with respect to functional and radiographic outcomes at the final  follow-up. Also, both methods had no differences in complication rate.

Conclusion: This study concluded that both methods (single  lateral plate and double plating) are effective methods for treatment of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures.