Functional outcome of closed complex tibial plateau fractures treated using dual plating

Abstract

Background: The tibial plateau fractures represent 1 to 2% of all fractures and approximately 8% of the fractures in elderly. Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fracture include Complex bicondylar injuries. The literature pertaining to functional outcome of closed bicondylar tibial plateau (Schatzker type V and VI) fractures treated using dual plates as internal fixation are scant.Material and Methods: A prospective study was undertaken in a Tertiary Hospital from April 2017 to June 2019, 30 cases of closed proximal tibia classified as Schatzker’s type V and VI fractures (bicondylar tibial plateau fractures) were managed surgically. The patients were followed up at 2nd, 6th, 12th and 24th postoperative weeks. Results: Average oxford score was 38.5 ± 6.19, maximum (73.3%) of the patients had the score more than 40. The proportion of people having high oxford score was statistically significant (χ2 =33.9, p< 0.0001). Conclusion: We conclude that open reduction and internal fixation using dual plates, is an excellent method of treatment of closed bicondylar tibial plateau (Schatzker type V and type VI) fractures in judiciously selected cases and we recommend the same.