REVIEW OF INTRA-OPERATIVE TECHNIQUES TO ASSESS REDUCTION QUALITY IN TIBIAL PLATEAU FRACTURES.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Anatomical reduction of tibial plateau fractures is vital for restoring joint congruity and preventing long-term complications.
• Intraoperative assessment of fracture reduction is challenging, particularly for complex patterns, necessitating advanced techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of intraoperative tools for evaluating tibial plateau fracture reduction.
• To summarize advancements in imaging and adjunctive techniques for assessing fracture reduction accuracy.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus (2000-2025).
• Studies focusing on the clinical application, diagnostic utility, and limitations of intraoperative imaging modalities in tibial plateau fracture management were identified.

Main Results:

• 2D fluoroscopy is common but limited in detecting subtle incongruities.
• Intraoperative 3D imaging and arthroscopy offer enhanced accuracy and direct visualization, potentially reducing reoperations.
• Emerging technologies like 3D printing and cone-beam CT show promise but need further validation.

Conclusions:

• Intraoperative imaging plays a critical role in achieving optimal reduction for tibial plateau fractures.
• Understanding the capabilities and limitations of current and emerging technologies can guide clinical practice and future research in fracture management.