Tibial plateau fractures: internal fixation with locking plates and the MIPO technique

Proximal tibial fractures are difficult lesions to treat because of the involvement of the articular surface, the often occurring comminution, and the precarious condition of the soft tissues, especially following high-energy trauma. Aim of the treatment is to restore the congruence of the articular surface supporting the tibial plateau cartilage which is usually depressed; to fix the fracture with a stable device; to allow early rehabilitation. We present our treatment strategy, utilising closed or open reduction and internal fixation, angle-stable polyaxial plates, immediate osteointegration, when necessary, with autologous bone graft or other osteoconductive material augmented with autologous platelet gel. Surgery is soft-tissue dependent in terms of timing, and it is usually performed directly or under supervision of an experienced surgeon utilising, whenever possible, a tissue sparing technique. A cohort of 58 proximal tibial fractures, surgically treated, from January 2004 to June 2007, was retrospectively reviewed. Fractures were classified according the OTA/AO classification. The assessment of the functional outcome with the use of the Rasmussen score identified good to excellent results in 78% of the cohort 12 months post-surgery. Internal fixation with locking plates, following the principles of MIPO (Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Osteosynthesis), provides satisfactory fracture reduction with good results regarding the mid-term clinical outcome.