To study outcomes in patients with schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fracture treated with single 4.5mm lateral locking compression plate

Abstract

Background: Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures Schatzker type V and VI present a therapeutic challenge to the orthopaedic trauma surgeon both in terms of the osseous injury as well as the concomitant soft-tissue insult. Double Plating with single incision or dual incisions provides more insult to the compromised soft tissue. However, single locking plate combines the technical advantages of an angular stable plate with those of the modern biological plating technique. Methods: The Study was held at the authors’ institutions between January 2014 and December 2017, 20 patients with a mean age of 40.5 years (Range from 22-65 years) with Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with or without metaphyseal extension. Patients were diagnosed clinically, checked with standard X-rays. Patients were treated by single lateral anatomically contoured 4.5mm locking compression plate. Functional assessment was done according to the Rasmussen Knee score and WOMAC score. Radiological evaluation was done according to the Modified Rasmussen Knee score. Patients were followed-up for an average of 6 months. Results: Union was achieved in all patients with a mean knee range of motion of 2°-118° (range: 0°-10° for extension lag, range: 85°-135° for flexion). The mean Functional Rasmussen Knee score at 6 month follow up (24.55 ± 3.17 SD) ranged from (18.0-29.0) with significant P value (P value