Indirect reduction and percutaneous screw fixation of displaced tibial plateau fractures

Indirect reduction and percutaneous screw fixation were attempted in 20 displaced tibial plateau fractures in 20 patients. Closed, indirect reduction was successful in 18 fractures; two others, both Schatzker type II fractures, required open reduction. The 18 fractures were followed for an average of 16.2 months (range, 12-24 months). Of the fractures successfully reduced with indirect techniques, 13 were reduced anatomically (72.2%), and five were considered nonanatomic (27.8%). Four of the five fractures with a nonanatomic reduction were type II fractures. Clinically, there were six excellent (33%), 10 good (56%), and two fair (11%) results. No fracture lost reduction; no patient developed an infection. Indirect techniques could effectively reduce only split fragments. Depressed fragments could not be reduced reliably with either ligamentotaxis or percutaneous elevation with a tamp. There was no correlation between radiographic reduction and clinical outcome. It did not matter whether two, three, or four screws were used to stabilize the fracture.