Correlation between Surface Area Ratio of Medial to Lateral Tibial Plateau and Knee Alignment in Adults

Objective This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the surface area ratio of medial tibial plateau(MTP)to lateral tibial plateau(LTP)and the mechanical tibiofemoral angle(mTFA).Methods Lower limb computed tomography(CT)images were collected at our hospital.Then,the original CT data were analyzed and reconstructed using medical image processing software.The proximal and distal centres of the femur and tibia were marked.The surface areas of MTP and LTP were identified using image processing software.GraphPad Prism 8.0.2 was used to perform the statistical analysis.Results The surface area ratio of MTP to LTP was significantly correlated with the mTFA in all patients(P<0.0001),male group(P<0.0001),female group(P<0.0001),varus group(P<0.0001),and valgus group(P=0.002).Furthermore,the surface area of MTP and LTP was significantly greater in the male group than in the female group(P<0.0001).There was significant difference in the surface area of the MTP between the varus and valgus groups(P<0.0001).Significant difference was also observed in the surface area ratio of MTP to LTP between the varus and valgus groups(P<0.0001).Conclusion The surface area ratio of MTP to LTP was correlated with the mTFA.Within a certain range,the smaller the mTFA,the greater the surface area ratio of MTP to LTP.For patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty,of whom the surface area of the MTP was basically equal to that of the LTP,it is recommended that the osteotomy should be performed in accordance with mechanical alignment standards,and that a symmetrical tibial plateau prosthesis should be used.For patients whose surface area of MTP is significantly greater than that of the LTP,it is recommended that the osteotomy should be performed in accordance with kinematic alignment standards,and that an anatomical tibial plateau prosthesis should be used.

Locking compression plate+T-type steel plate for postoperative weight bearing and functional recovery in complex tibial plateau fractures

Complex tibial plateau fractures can seriously affect quality of life and physical and mental health of patients.The anatomical relationship between the proximal tibial bone and soft tissue is complex,resulting in different types of tibial plateau fractures.Violent trauma can lead to displaced fracture,serious soft tissue injury,and potentially,dislocation of the knee joint.Therefore,tibial plateau fractures are extremely unstable.AIM To assess the use of locking compression plate(LCP)+T-type steel plate for postoperative weight bearing and functional recovery of complex tibial plateau fractures.METHODS Ninety-seven patients with complex tibial plateau fractures who underwent surgery at our hospital were selected for retrospective study.Forty-nine patients had been treated with LCP+T-type steel plate limited internal fixation(study group),and 48 patients with bilateral ordinary steel plate support(control group).The operation process index,postoperative rehabilitation related index,Rasmussen score of the knee joint,tibial plateau varus angle(TPA),tibial plateau retroversion angle(PA),and surgical complications of the two groups were compared.RESULTS The operation time and intraoperative bone graft volume in the study group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in surgical bleeding,anterior external incision length,postoperative drainage,hospital stay duration,and fracture healing time between the groups(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the TPA and PA angle between the groups immediately and 18 mo after surgery(P>0.05).At 12 mo after surgery,the Rasmussen scale score was higher in the study group than in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the Rasmussen scale score at 18 mo after surgery,and the radiology score at 12 and 18 mo after surgery,between the two groups(P>0.05).The postoperative complication rate in the study group(3.77%)was lower than that in the control group(15.09%;P<0.05).CONCLUSION LCP+T-type steel plate internal fixation has advantages in terms of minimizing trauma and enabling early postoperative functional exercise,promoting functional recovery and lower limb weight-bearing,and reducing postoperative complications.

Artificial Intelligence to Diagnose Tibial Plateau Fractures: An Intelligent Assistant for Orthopedic Physicians

Objective:To explore a new artificial intelligence(AI)-aided method to assist the clinical diagnosis of tibial plateau fractures(TPFs)and further measure its validity and feasibility.Methods:A total of 542 X-rays of TPFs were collected as a reference database.An AI algorithm(RetinaNet)was trained to analyze and detect TPF on the X-rays.The ability of the AI algorithm was determined by indexes such as detection accuracy and time taken for analysis.The algorithm performance was also compared with orthopedic physicians.Results:The AI algorithm showed a detection accuracy of 0.91 for the identification of TPF,which was similar to the performance of orthopedic physicians(0.92±0.03).The average time spent for analysis of the AI was 0.56 s,which was 16 times faster than human performance(8.44±3.26 s).Conclusion:The AI algorithm is a valid and efficient method for the clinical diagnosis of TPF.It can be a useful assistant for orthopedic physicians,which largely promotes clinical workflow and further guarantees the health and security of patients.

Lesional and Therapeutic Aspects of Tibial Plateau Fractures at the BSS University Hospital Center in Kati

Introduction: Tibial plateau fractures are solutions of continuity of the epiphyseal-metaphyseal block of the upper end of the tibia of which at least one line enters the joint. They threaten the stability and mobility of the knee and can compromise walking and standing. These fractures are on the increase, especially affecting young and active subjects. Orthopedic treatment is a rare indication apart from non-displaced or slightly displaced forms. Surgical treatment is required in displaced forms, particularly in depression fractures. The aim of this work was to report the lesional and therapeutic aspects of tibial plateau fractures in our department. Patients and Method: Patients and method: This was a retrospective study over 36 months from January 2019 to December 2021. Included in this study were patients treated for a tibial plateau fracture in our department and followed up for at least 10 months. The epidemiological and clinical data analyzed were age, sex, affected side, etiology, mechanism of injury, pathological anatomy and associated lesions. The fractures were classified according to the classification of Duparc and Ficat. The slightly or non-displaced forms were treated orthopedically while the displaced forms were treated surgically. The minimum follow-up was 10 months. The results were evaluated by the anatomical criteria according to Mazas and Duparc and functional according to Merle d’Aubigné. Results: The authors collected 71 cases of tibial plateau fractures. They accounted for 4.0% of all limb fractures, 5.8% of lower limb fractures and 33.8% of knee fractures in our service. The male sex was the most represented at 78.9% with a sex ratio of 3.7. The age group of [20 - 40] years was the most affected, i.e., 53.5%. The average age was 41 years with extremes of 17 and 82 years. The left side was affected (n = 47) and the right side (n = 24). Road traffic accident was the main cause. The mechanism of injury was mainly represented by lateral and sagittal compressions. Lateral unituberosity and bi-tuberosity fractures were the most frequent pathological types in our series, respectively 42.2% and 28.2%. The associated lesions were mainly represented by bone, ligament, skin and neurological lesions. The treatment was orthopedic in 52.1% and surgical in 47.9%. According to the functional criteria of PMA, our results were very good and good at 77.4%, Average at 14.1% and poor at 8.5%. Conclusion: It appears in this study that fractures of the tibial plateaus are frequent and serious because of their articular nature. Lateral and sagittal compressions are the most evoked injury mechanisms. Lateral unituberosity and bituberosity fractures are the most frequent pathological types. Functional and anatomical results are significantly better with surgical treatment.

Return to sport following tibial plateau fractures: A systematic review

AIM To systemically review all studies reporting return to sport following tibial plateau fracture, in order to provide information on return rates and times to sport, and to assess variations in sporting outcome for different treatment methods.METHODS A systematic search of CINAHAL, Cochrane, EMBASE, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PEDro, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science was performed in January 2017 using the keywords "tibial", "plateau", "fractures", "knee", "athletes", "sports", "non-operative", "conservative", "operative", "return to sport". All studies which recorded return rates and times to sport following tibial plateau fractures were included. RESULTS Twenty-seven studies were included: 1 was a randomised controlled trial, 7 were prospective cohort studies, 16 were retrospective cohort studies, 3 were case series. One study reported on the outcome of conservative management(n = 3); 27 reported on the outcome of surgical management(n = 917). Nine studies reported on Open Reduction Internal Fixation(ORIF)(n = 193), 11 on Arthroscopic-Assisted Reduction Internal Fixation(ARIF)(n = 253) and 7 on Frame-Assisted Fixation(FRAME)(n = 262). All studies recorded "return to sport"rates. Only one study recorded a "return to sport" time. The return rate to sport for the total cohort was 70%. For the conservatively-managed fractures, the return rate was 100%. For the surgically-managed fractures, the return rate was 70%. For fractures managed with ORIF, the return rate was 60%. For fractures managed with ARIF, the return rate was 83%. For fractures managed with FRAME was 52%. The return rate for ARIF was found to be significantly greater than that for ORIF(OR 3.22, 95%CI: 2.09-4.97, P < 0.001) and for FRAME(OR 4.33, 95%CI: 2.89-6.50, P < 0.001). No difference was found between the return rates for ORIF and FRAME(OR 1.35, 95%CI: 0.92-1.96, P = 0.122). The recorded return time was 6.9 mo(median), from a study reporting on ORIF.CONCLUSION Return rates to sport for tibial plateau fractures remain limited compared to other fractures. ARIF provides the best return rates. There is limited data regarding return times to sport. Further research is required to determine return times to sport, and to improve return rates to sport, through treatment and rehabilitation optimisation.

Multiligament knee injuries with associated tibial plateau fractures: A report of two cases

The management of a combination of fracture and multiligament knee injury(MKI) in traumatic knee injury remains controversial, and there are evolving treatment recommendations. Currently, there are no studies focusing on older adult patients with MKI's in combination with tibia fractures. As a result, there is no well-established treatment algorithm for older adult patients with these complex injuries. We report two cases of MKI's with concomitant fractures in patients fifty years of age or older. Both patients were treated surgically for their associated tibial plateau fractures, but were managed with conservative treatment of the multiligamentous knee injuries. We also provide a review of the literature and guidelines for older adult patients with these types of complex traumatic injuries. Early to mid term acceptable outcomes were achieved for both patients through surgical fixation of the tibial plateau fracture and conservative treatment of the ligament injuries. We propose a comprehensive treatment algorithm for management of these complex injuries.

Medial tibial plateau morphology and stress fracture location:A magnetic resonance imaging study

AIM To determine the location of medial tibial plateau stress fractures and its relationship with tibial plateau morphology using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHODS A retrospective review of patients with a diagnosis of stress fracture of the medial tibial plateau was performed for a 5-year period. Fourteen patients [three female and 11 male, with an average age of 36.4 years(range, 15-50 years)], who underwent knee MRI, were included. The appearance of the tibial plateau stress fracture and the geometry of the tibial plateau were reviewed and measured on MRI.RESULTS Thirteen of 14 stress fractures were linear, and one of them stellated on MRI images. The location of fractures was classified into three types. Three fractures were located anteromedially(AM type), six posteromedially(PM type), and five posteriorly(P type) at the medial tibial plateau. In addition, tibial posterior slope at the medial tibial plateau tended to be larger when the fracture was located more posteriorly on MRI.CONCLUSION We found that MRI showed three different localizations of medial tibial plateau stress fractures, which were associated with tibial posterior slope at the medial tibial plateau.

The Application and Operation-Effect Analysis for Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures with 3D Printing Technique

Objective: To investigate the value of 3D printing techniques in the treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures. Methods: From September 2016 to September 2018, 28 patients with complex tibial plateau fractures were treated in our hospital. According to the odevity of hospitalized order, the patients were divided into two groups. Group A used 3D reconstruction, virtually reduction, 3D printing and demonstration of individual fracture model before operation while group B only received conventional process by use X-rays or CT image. Comparison between the two groups was made in operation time, operative blood loss, radiation frequency, surgery instrument cost and knee function score. Results: The follow-up was 14.4 months on average (ranged 6 to 22 months). There was no statistical difference of the surgery instrument cost between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). The operation time of group A was significantly shorter than that of group B (P χ2 = 0.373, P = 0.54). Conclusion: 3D printing techniques can improve surgery effect in complex tibial plateau fractures.

Combined Use of Percutaneous Canulated Screws and External or Internal Fixation for Less Invasive Treatment of Tibial Plateaux Fractures

The classic way of treatment of tibial plateau fractures with an extensive approach, opening of the knee and compressive internal fixation can lead to major complications such as infection, skin necrosis and knee stiffness. Here we present a less invasive and thus safer surgical technique, and its indications and results. Twenty patients with various types of fractures according to Schatzker’s classification (mainly V and VI) were treated during a time period of seven years. Surgical treatment usually consisted of a combination of percutaneous canulated screws with a hybrid external fixator. In three cases canulated screws were combined with a laterally applied anatomic locking plate. Patients were followed up for six months to three years postoperatively. Indications as well as intra and postoperative parameters such as surgical time, stability of fixation, blood loss, wound healing, infection, fracture healing and final result were studied. No major complications were recorded either early or later. The use of external οr less invasive internal fixation in combination with percutaneous canulated screws appears to be an adequate method for the treatment of most types of these fractures.

Immediate Knee Joint Range of Motion after Stable Fixation of Tibial Plateau Fractures

The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors that affect initiation of early postoperative range of motion (ROM) rehabilitation and to investigate whether the postoperative ROM and clinical outcomes were affected by initiation of early ROM, immobilization and other factors. We conducted a retrospective analysis of tibial plateau fractures treated using stable internal fixation between December 2003 and June 2007. The resulting degree of flexion and Rasmussen Clinical and Radiographic Scores were evaluated. Thirty-nine patients were included, and 23 patients underwent a lateral submeniscal arthrotomy for evaluation of joint surface reduction, with 6 lateral meniscus lesions identified via arthrotomy. Three lateral collateral ligament lesions, 3 medial collateral ligament lesions and 1 anterior cruciate ligament lesion were found. Meniscus and ligament lesions significantly and negatively affected the initiation of knee joint ROM. Early ROM was achieved in 26 cases and 13 patients underwent immobilization for 4 weeks. At the final evaluation, the early ROM group had 130.42° ± 5.50° of flexion, compared with 122.92° ± 5.28° in the immobilization group. Moreover, the final Rasmussen score was 25.69 ± 2.92 in the early motion group, compared with 22.61 ± 3.5 in the immobilization group. There was no difference between radiographic scores of the groups. Although the initiation of early ROM improved the clinical results, soft tissue lesions influenced initiation of early knee joint motion. Therefore, meniscus and ligament injuries should be considered as prognostic factors in similar cases.

PERCUTANEOUS REDUCTION AND STABILIZATION OF COMPLEX TIBIAL PLATEAU FRACTURES

Mechanical traction and percutaneous reduction by leverage and fixation by a bilateral groove externalfixator were performed on 23 patients with complex tibial plateau fractures involving a depressed and splitfragments. The fixator is composed of two long groove frames, three to five nuts, hooked bolts and Stein-manns pins.All fractures united in good position in three months with no incision (only pinpricks), llttle operativetrauma and no significant complications but pintract infection, and the flexion-extension range of kneemovement was excllent in all patients, so that this technique is particularly advisable for complex tibialplateau fractures.

Magnesium Alloy for Repair of Lateral Tibial Plateau Defect in Minipig Model

Bone graft substitutes are widely-studied as alternatives to bone grafts in the clinic. The currently available products are mostly ceramics and polymers. Considerable progress has been made in the study of the biodegradable magnesium alloys, which possess the necessary attributions of a suitable substitute, including an excellent mechanical property. In the present study, a minipig model of a lateral tibial plateau defect was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a magnesium alloy in the repair of a critical-sized defect. The micro-arc oxidation （MAO）-coated ZK60 alloy tablets and medical-grade calcium sulfate pellets were used as the test and control materials, respectively. Bone morphology was monitored by computed tomography after the implantation for 2 and 4 months. It was found that the bone morphology in minipigs following magnesium treatment was similar to that of the normal bone, whereas an abnormal and concave morphology was displayed following the calcium sulfate treatment. The average bone healing rate for the magnesium-treated defects was higher than that of the calcium sulfate-treated defects at the first 4 months following the implantation. Overall, magnesium treatment appeared to calcium sulfate treatment. Thus, the MAO-coated ZK60 al substitute, and further research on its biological activity in improve the defect repair as compared with the oy appears to be a useful biocompatible bone graft vivo is needed.

Does a staged treatment of high energy tibial plateau fractures affect functional results and bony union?A case series

Purpose:Tibial plateau fracture(TPF)is a devastating injury as it shatters lower articular surface of the largest joint.Apart from bony injury,TPF can lead to great soft tissue envelope compromise which affects the treatment plan and outcome.In the present study,clinical results were assessed in cases of high energy TPFs treated in staged manner.Methods:Twenty-three(20 males and 3 females)patients of high energy communited TPFs(Schatzker typeⅤandⅥ)were consecutively treated.1 All the patient had compromise of overlying skin conditions.They were all successively scheduled for staged treatment plan which comprised of application of bridging knee external fixator on the first day of admission and definitive internal fixation after skin and soft tissue overlying the fracture were healed.Schatzker typeⅠ,Ⅱ,ⅢandⅣwere excluded from the study.Primary survey was done and patient who had head injury,chest and abdominal injury,pelvic injury and contralateral limb injury and open fractures were excluded from the study.The patients were also evaluated in terms of wound complications,axial and rotary alignment of limb,fixation failure,articular congruity and range of motion of the knees and post injury employment.Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software.Results:Maximum follow-up period was 13 months.All the fractures were united at final follow-up.Clinical evaluation was done with the Tegner Lysholm knee scoring scale.2 Excellent results were found in 78%cases and good and fair results in 22%cases.There was significant correlation between range of motion and the Tegner Lysholm knee score(p<0.001,Pearson correlation coefficient=0.741).The correlation between the score and the radiographical union duration was significant(p=0.006,Pearson correlation coefficient=-0.554).Conclusion:A staged treatment plan allows healing of soft tissue envelope,with avoidance of dreadful complications such as compartment syndrome and chronic infection.In addition,a staged treatment strategy does not hamper the fracture reduction,bony union and the functional results.

Tibial Plateau Fracture with Bucket-handle Tears of Both the Medial and Lateral Menisci

Tibial plateau fractures represent approximately 1% of all fractures which have been reported to commonly accompany by soft tissue injuriesY1 Neglect or missed diagnosis of such soft tissue injuries have negative effects on clinical outcome. In this article, we report a rare case of tibial plateau fracture combined with extensive soft tissue injuries, including bucket-handle tears （BHTs） of both the medial meniscus （MM） and the lateral meniscus （LM）. The patient also had an anterior cruciate ligament （ACL） tibial avulsion fracture, which led to the formation of a loose body in the joint. If left untreated, all of these concomitant injuries could cause unpleasant residual symptoms, such as joint locking and loss of extension.

Dual split and dislocation——a variant of Schatzker type-I tibial plateau fracture: A case report

Schatzkter type-I tibial plateau fracture is a split fracture of the lateral tibial plateau in sagittal plane,consequent to valgus impaction caused by low velocity of trauma.However,a deep understanding of the different columns of the tibial plateau and patho-mechanisms of the injury led to the unmasking of atypical fractures around the tibial plateau.We have encountered 2 cases with unusual fracture pattern of the lateral tibial condyle caused by road traffic accidents.The fracture pattern and severity of injury deviate from the original description of Schatzker type 1;in view of dual plane split,there is rotation of the posterolateral column fragment along its sagittal plane plus grade-III medial collateral ligament injury.The patients were initially treated with knee spanning external fixator and after a latency of 5 days,definitive fracture specific fixation was done,combined with repair of grade-III medial collateral ligament injury.At the 6 months follow-up both the patients achieved satisfactory knee functions(knee society score case 1:100 and case 2:92)and returned to their jobs.The severity of fracture pattern and displacement as described should prompt for examination of associated ligament injury.Because of timely diagnosis,early and appropriate care promised an excellent function outcome even in such a severe nature of knee injury.To prompt the description of injury pattern we coined the name"dual split and dislocation"of lateral tibial plateau,as a complex injury variant of split fracture of lateral tibial plateau fracture.

Intraoperative study on anthropometry and gender differences of the proximal tibial plateau at the arthroplasty resection surface

Background The tibial plateau is asymmetric with a larger medial plateau.We observed from clinical practice that the shape of the tibial plateau does not always present a larger medial plateau.Tibial plateau also showed other shapes.The purpose of this study was to analyze the anthropometric data of the proximal tibia in a large group of Chinese patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty and to investigate the morphology of the resected proximal tibial surface and its gender differences.Methods A total of 822 knees （164 males,658 females） from the Chinese population were measured intraoperatively for medial anteroposterior （MAP） and lateral anteroposterior （LAP） dimensions of the resected proximal tibial surface.The difference of MAP and LAP （DML） was also calculated as MAP minus LAP.We then classified the data into three groups based on the DML （＜-2,-2 to 2,and ＞2 mm） to analyze the morphology of the proximal tibia and its distribution between male and female.Results The shape of proximal tibial plateau was of three types：larger medial plateau type,symmetric type,and larger lateral plateau type.There were significant differences between males and females in relation to the shape distribution of the proximal tibial plateau （P ＜0.05）.Most of the proximal tibial plateau was asymmetric,with 517 of 822 （62.9％） tibia having a DML ＞2 mm and 120 of 822 （14.6％） tibia having a DML＜-2 mm.Only 185 of 822 （22.5％） tibia had a DML between-2 and 2 mm.Conclusion The results of this study can be used as a guideline to design tibial components with different DMLs to better match the different anthropometry of the resected tibial surface.

New Developments in Treatments of Tibial Plateau Fractures

Tibial plateau fractures account for 1.66–2.0% of all fractures in adults and about 8% of fractures in the elderly.[1] Tibial plateau fractures should be considered as complex injuries representing a wide fracture spectrum： soft-tissue compromise, neurovascular damage, compartment syndrome, and ligament and meniscus tears, which remain a big challenge, even for experienced orthopedic trauma surgeons. Although the best treatment modality remains controversial, we aimed to present new developments in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures for reference.