Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Proximal Tibia Fracture Treated With Dual Tibial Plating: A Retrospective...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Trauma surgery
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Proximal tibial fractures, especially bicondylar variants (AO/OTA 41-C), are severe injuries from high-energy trauma.
• These fractures present challenges due to articular comminution and metaphyseal instability.
• Dual tibial plating offers enhanced biomechanical stability over single plating, potentially preventing varus collapse and aiding early movement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of dual tibial plating for complex proximal tibial fractures.
• To assess clinical and radiological outcomes, including pain, range of motion, and fracture union.
• To determine the complication profile associated with this surgical technique.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study of 50 patients with proximal tibial fractures treated with dual plating.
• Inclusion criteria: skeletally mature, closed or Gustilo-Anderson type I/II fractures.
• Exclusion criteria: type III open fractures, pathological fractures, polytrauma, incomplete records.
• Outcomes measured: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, knee range of motion (ROM), and Radiographic Union Score for Tibial Fractures (RUST).

Main Results:

• All 50 patients completed the six-month follow-up.
• Clinical union achieved in 100% of cases; radiological union in 96% (48/50 patients).
• Two patients (4%) experienced delayed union; four (8%) had superficial infections, with no deep infections.
• Significant improvements in VAS pain scores and knee ROM were noted (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Dual tibial plating is a stable and effective fixation method for complex proximal tibial fractures.
• The technique demonstrates high union rates and promotes favorable functional recovery.
• It presents an acceptable safety profile with a low rate of serious complications for selected patients.