A Novel Approach in the Management of Tibial Plateau Fractures with Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome in tibial plateau fractures presents a formidable challenge for treating orthopedic surgeons. The most common strategy is early fasciotomy and external fixation, followed by a second stage definitive fixation. We conducted a prospective study of tibial plateau fractures of Schatzker Type V and VI with impending compartment syndrome treated by single-stage double incision fasciotomy and dual internal fixation and Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC).

The study was between May 2014 and February 2019. 21 patients with impending compartment syndrome who underwent single-stage double incision fasciotomy and Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) with dual plate were included in the study. The functional and radiological outcome was measured using the modified Rasmussen functional and radiological scoring and The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC).

The mean age of patients was 38.7 years (Standard deviation of ± 9.48). The mean follow-up period was 27 months (Standard deviation of ± 6.51). The mean functional and radiological modified Rasmussen score was 27.28 (range 21 to 29) & 8 (range 7 to 10), respectively. 4 patients had excellent outcomes, and 17 patients had good results. The mean WOMAC score was 8.04 (Standard deviation of ± 5.35). Five patients had a score of 0, 14 patients had a score of 1-10 and 2 had a score of 11-20.

The early double incision fasciotomy and definitive internal fixation with dual plate and VAC as single-stage surgery in patients with impending compartment syndrome help to obtain excellent to good functional outcomes with reduced complications.