Objective To investigate the improved reduction technique for depression fractures of the lateral tibial plateau and its effectiveness. Methods Between January 2008 and December 2010, 48 patients (48 knees) with depression fractures of the lateral tibial plateau (Schatzker II or III fractures) were treated. There were 32 males and 16 females with an average age of 45.8 years (range, 16-79 years). All fractures were fresh closed fractures, which were caused by traffic accident in 27 cases, by falling from height in 5 cases, by crushing in 8 cases, and by sustained falls in 8 cases. According to Schatzker classification, 29 cases were classified as type II and 19 cases as type III. The lateral cortex was cut off to expose the depression and compacted cancellous bone was elevated to reset the articular surface. After reduction, autologous iliac bone graft and locking plate internal fixation were used. Results Healing of incision by first intention was achieved in all patients, and no complication occurred. All patients were followed up 1.7 years on average (range, 1-3 years). At last follow-up, the knee extension was ( — 0.5 ± 0.3)°, and the knee flexion was (136.9 ± 8.8)°. X-ray films showed that the fracture healing time was 52 weeks and no breakage of internal fixation occurred. According to Rasmussen clinical score, the results were excellent in 35 cases, good in 10 cases, and fair in 3 cases. According to Rasmussen radiographical score, the results were excellent in 41 cases, good in 7 cases; there were 41 excellent scores and 7 good scores of articular reduction; all gained good recovery of coronal and sagittal alignment and condylar width. The articular surface collapse was (1.0 ± 0.7) mm at immediate postoperatively and (1.2 ± 0.7) mm at last follow-up, showing no significant difference (t= — 1.42, P=0.20), but significant differences were found when compared with that at preoperation [(12.2 ± 8.0) mm, P lt; 0.05]. Conclusion This improved technique can provide a satisfactory effectiveness of fracture reduction and can avoid loss of reduction. The short-term effectiveness is good, but futher follow-up is necessary to determine the long-term results.
Objective To explore an improved method of surgical operation for redintegration of the articular surface and alignment with type III Pilon fractures. Methods Between August 2005 and August 2010, 31 patiens with closed type III Pilon fracture (Rüedi-Allgouml;wer type III) were treated. There were 25 males and 6 females, aged 36.8 years on average (range, 16-60 years). The injury was caused by falling from height in 18 patients, by traffic accident in 10 patients, and by other reasons in 3 patients. The average time between injury and operation was 10 days (range, 6-14 days). Temporary external fixation was used for adjustment and maintenance of limb length and power lines; application of fibular flip combined with anteromedial approach was used for the repair of articular surface; and bone grafting and fixation were performed. Results No extensive necrosis or deep infection were observed. Superficial skin infection of incision and wound edge necrosis occurred in 2 cases respectively, and were cured after dressing change. All patients were followed up 26 months on average (range, 9-79 months). According to the Burwell et al. judging standards of radiology evaluating, the anatomical reduction was found in 25 cases (80.6%), satisfactory reduction in 4 cases (12.9%), and unsatisfactory reduction in 2 cases (6.5%). The X-ray films showed bony healing was achieved in all cases with an average fracture healing time of 16 weeks (range, 12-25 weeks). According to the Mazur et al. criterion for ankle joint function, excellent result was obtained in 11 cases, good in 13, fair in 5, and poor in 2; the excellent and good rate was 77.4%. Conclusion Good exposure and fixation of articular surface or accurate adjustments and maintenance of the limb alignment are key factors of successful operation to treat type III Pilon fractures.
Objective To explore an improved method of surgical operation for reposition of the articular surface with Type Ⅲ Pilon fractures. Methods From January 1999 to December 2005, 20 patients (22 sides) with Type Ⅲ Pilon fractures were treated with the delayed open reduction and the internal fixation, which took the superior articular surface of the talus as a templet so as to reposition the lower articular surface of the tibia, strengthen the bone transplantation, fasten the internal fixation, and make an early functional exercise possible. Complete data were obtained from 16 of the patients with 18 sides (13 males,15 sides; 3 females, 3 sides; age, 14-48 years). The injury due to a fallingaccident was found in 12 patients (14 sides), and due to a traffic accident in 4patients (4 sides). Results The healing of the first intention was achieved in 14 sides, the delayed healing in 3 sides, and the infection in 1 side. The follow-up of all the 16 patients for 971 months (average, 22 months) including the X-ray examinations revealed that no screw for the internal fixation entering the articular cavity. According to the Teeny’s judging standards of radiology evaluating the result of the surgery for Pilon fractures, the anatomical reduction of the related articular surface was found in 77.8% of the sides (14/18) and thehealing of the first intention (stage Ⅰ) in 94.4% (17/18). According to the Mazur’s criteria, an excellent result was obtained in 5 sides, good in 7, fair in 5, and poor in 1. The excellent and good result was 66.7%. Conclusion Propermanagement of the injured soft tissues, prompt recovery of the tibial distant plateau height, and accurate reposition of the articular surface, enough transplant bone for the solid support, b internal fixation for the distant tibial anatomical structure, and early functional exercise are the key points to the successful operation.