Combined limited internal fixation with circular frame external fixation of intra-articular tibial fractures

High-energy intra-articular fractures of the tibial plateau and plafond cause ongoing management problems for the orthopedic surgeon. This study retrospectively evaluated 37 such fractures treated with limited internal fixation and circular frame external fixators. Seventeen plateau fractures (5 open) and 20 plafond fractures (9 open) were treated. Time to union, number of procedures, complications, and functional outcomes were evaluated. All tibial plateau fractures healed within an average of 3.8 months. Eighteen of 20 plafond fractures healed at an average of 4.8 months. There was a high complication rate as is common with these injuries, but most of the complications were minor and easily treated.