INTRA-OPERATIVE ASSESSMENT OF TIBIAL PLATEAU FRACTURE REDUCTION IN LOW-RESOURCE SETTINGS
U Mahajan1, M Akhtar2, A Sain3
11Trauma and Orthopaedics, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, GBR.
Georgian Medical News
|August 30, 2025
Summary
Intraoperative assessment of tibial plateau fractures in low-resource settings relies on fundamental techniques like direct visualization and tactile assessment. Further research is needed for context-specific innovations to improve surgical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Management
- Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Tibial plateau fractures require precise reduction for optimal outcomes.
- Assessing reduction accuracy intraoperatively is crucial but challenging, especially in low-resource settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current intraoperative techniques for tibial plateau fracture reduction assessment.
- To evaluate the feasibility and applicability of these techniques in low-resource environments.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of literature on intraoperative assessment strategies for tibial plateau fractures.
- Inclusion of studies on imaging (fluoroscopy, 3D), direct visualization (arthrotomy), and tactile assessment.
Main Results:
- Conventional 2D fluoroscopy is common but has limited sensitivity for subtle incongruities.
- Direct visualization and tactile methods offer reliable assessment without advanced imaging.
- Emerging technologies lack validation in low-resource settings, highlighting a literature gap.
Conclusions:
- Fundamental principles like preoperative planning, direct assessment, and surgical technique are essential without advanced imaging.
- Context-specific research and innovations are urgently needed for low-resource settings to improve fracture assessment and surgical outcomes.
