Percutaneous plate stabilization of proximal tibial fractures

Abstract

Background: Despite various treatment methods, proximal tibial fractures are common injuries associated with poor outcomes and high rates of complications. To improve this, a percutaneous plating technique was performed to treat proximal tibial fractures. Methods: Twenty-four proximal tibial fractures (17 proximal fractures [AO 41] and 7 proximal shaft fractures [AO 42]) were treated using percutaneous plating with either or both sides without bone graft. One was an open fracture. Results: All fractures healed. The average time for fracture healing was 16.5 weeks (range, 8-24 weeks). Complications included one case of shortening (1 cm) and two cases of malalignments; one valgus of 6 degrees and one varus of 5 degrees. There was one case of superficial infection that was healed after removal, but no patient showed deep infection. Results were evaluated by the modified Rasmussen scoring system. Most patients had excellent or good results; only one patient had fair results. Conclusion: Minimally invasive percutaneous plating can provide favorable results in the treatment of proximal tibial fractures. Copyright © 2005 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.