A study of 50 cases of tibial plateau fractures in adults

Abstract

Introduction: Tibial condylar fractures are specially challenging to the orthopaedic surgeons because of their number, variety, complexity, different concepts of management and injuries associated with it. Earlier, most of tibial plateau fractures were treated conservatively which resulted in joint line incongruity, early osteoarthritis and knee stiffness. Now treatment of these fractures has changed radically over the years, as our ability to achieve near anatomic reduction and fixation has improved, thereby reducing the incidence of early osteoarthosis. Aim and objectives: To study the advantages and disadvantages of surgical treatment, comparing treatment modalities and finding management strategies, depending on type and displacement of fractures.Materials and Methods: This is a study of management of 50 cases of closed tibial plateau fractures in adults, conducted in the department of orthopaedics at GMERS Medical College, Valsad, Gujarat between August 2015 to July 2017. 8 patients were treated by conservative methods and 42 patients were treated by surgical methods by Schatzkers classification.Result: 64.3% of low velocity injuries treated by surgical methods and 35.7% treated with conservative methods. Among the high velocity injuries 81.25% treated by surgical methods and 18.75% by conservative methods. The results showed that surgical treatment produced better results in both low velocity and high velocity injuries. Conclusion: Fracture treated by surgical methods give excellent results compare to conservative methods.