Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis versus open reduction and internal fixation in the management of tibial plateau fractures with locking compression plates

Abstract

Knee is a major weight bearing joint of the lower limb consequently any fractures involving the proximal tibia will compromise the knee function and stability. Understanding the injury patterns, better implants, and the concept of early surgical fixation and early mobilization of knee joint are need. The aim of the study was to analyse the functional outcome of locking compression plate for tibial plateau fractures done minimally invasive versus open reduction techniques. This was a prospective observational study conducted in srinivasa medical college and yenepoya medical college hospital, Mangalore. In this study, 45 patients with tibial plateau fractures who presented between October 2017 to October 2020 were studied. 38 cases were treated with minimally invasive technique through standard lateral approach and 7 cases with Open Reduction and Internal Fixation with locking compression plates. Minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis and open reduction techniques compared and found to be good union, more movement and lesser complication in former technique. More than the types, early surgery and closed treatment held the key to good results. The emphasis is now shifting from perfect reduction and rigid fixation to biological means of fixation by minimally invasive approaches with using of locking compression plate.