Tibial plateau fractures. A review of operative treatment using AO technique

In a retrospective review of 80 tibial plateau fractures, 28 fractures were treated nonoperatively with a variety of closed methods and 52 were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using AO technique. At an average follow up of 24 months, a satisfactory result was obtained in 87% of the operatively treated patients and in 66% of those treated nonoperatively. It appears that stable, minimally displaced fractures do equally well with closed or open treatment. Patients with depressed, displaced, or unstable fractures did better with operative treatment. When operative treatment is planned the principles and techniques of internal fixation should be carefully followed.