An evaluation of tibia plateau fracture managed surgically with buttress plate and cancellous screws

Introduction: Injuries to the bones forming knee joint particularly tibial plateau fractures can result in functional impairment and also one of the most challenging to treat. Proximal tibia fractures constitute about 8% of all fractures in elderly. Improvements in surgical techniques and implants, has favoured a trend towards surgical managements, with objectives including precise reconstruction of the articular surfaces, stable fixation, early mobilization and repair of all ligamentous and soft tissue lesions1. However success of the surgical management needs revaluation. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective analytical study of 2 year duration. A total of 50 patients with tibial plateau fractures were selected and managed surgically. Results: In our study of 50 patients, 13 were managed by CRIF with PCCS, 37 were managed by ORIF with Buttress plate and Bone grafting. Post-operative assessment for an average period of 12.56 months done. And the results were analysed in terms of aetiology, sex ratio, age group, classification type, dominant side, complications like OA, knee stiffness, etc. Conclusion: The management protocol of tibial plateau fractures is challenging. Fracture type is the chief determinant for the choice of procedure. The aim is to achieve anatomical reduction and rigid fixation to restore articular congruity, facilitate early knee motion by reducing postoperative complications and thus achieving optimal knee function at the earliest. These fractures, still pose a challenge to the surgeon, they need to be evaluated, planned and treatment executed in the best of experienced hands. Keywords: fracture tibial plateau, Buttress plate, CRIF, ORIF, PCCS.