Publication:

Functional outcome of proximal tibia intra-articular fractures after open reduction and internal fixation

Background Tibial plateau fractures are common fractures which constitute approximately 1% of all fractures. These involves the particular area of tibia and difficult to manage. These fractures require absolute stable fixation to improve the function and to prevent the post traumatic arthritis. We aim assess the functional outcome of patients in proximal tibia fractures treated with ORIF.

Methods Patients assessed at OPD visits with knee injury and Osteoarthritis score (KOOS) and Westerna Ontario and Mc-master university OA index (WOMAC). With informed consent patients are assessed one year after fixation of fractures and data recorded in case record forms.

Results Out of 74 patients studied, majority belonged to age group 21 to 40 years old (44 cases, 59.45%); followed by 21 cases (36.48%) from age group 41-60 years old. 7 patients (9.45%) were found in age groups 61 to 80 years old. Mean KOOS scores shows FAIR outcome in type I, type II, type III and type IV Schatzkers. While poor outcome was found in type V and type V and type VI. High energy trauma is associated with poor functional outcome as compared to low energy trauma. Mean WOMAC scores are found good in type I, type II fractures while fair outcome found in type III and type IV, poor outcome observed in type V and type VI Schatzkers type.

Conclusions As per this study we concluded that fractures treated with ORIF showed good functional outcome. ORIF with buttress plate gives good to fair results.