Tibial Plateau Fracture – Using Arthroscopy to Help Obtain Good Result
The knee joint is the junction between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia).
It can be injured in accidents or during sports. When the articular surface of the tibia of the knee joint is injured, it is termed a tibial plateau fracture. Such fractures need to be treated such that the articular cartilage surface of the tibial plateau heals properly. Otherwise the irregular cartilage surface can rapidly result in knee post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
This patient sustained a lateral tibial plateau fracture.
In order to obtain the best possible reduction of the articular surface, arthroscopic assisted open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture was performed.
The fracture was first assessed using arthroscopy.
The fracture was openly reduced and stabilized using special locking plates.
The intra-articular reduction was confirmed on arthroscopy.
The patient was asked to use the continuous passive motion machine for the next 3 weeks to encourage cartilage healing.
The patient used crutches to walk and the operated leg was only allowed toe-touch weight bearing for the initial 6 weeks.
The x-rays taken at 6th week after the surgery showed good fracture reduction and healing.
Lateral Tibial Plateau Fracture Treatment
Lateral Tibial Plateau Fracture Treatment
The patient was then allowed to walk full weight bearing without crutches.
Knee arthroscopy is a valuable method to assist the surgeon on obtaining the best articular surface reduction during surgery in order to avoid or minimize post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis.
For more information on tibial plateau fractures, please contact us at +65-683 666 36 or email hcchang@ortho.com.sg
HC Chang Orthopaedic Surgery | Singapore 