Assessment of Treatment Outcomes of Hybrid External Fixator for Bicondylar Fractures of Tibial Plateau

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Treatment of bicondylar type of tibial plateau fracture is a challenging problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment outcome of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures by modified Hybrid External Fixator (HEF). Materials and Methods: In a descriptive study, 28 patients with bicondylar tibial plateau fracture treated by HEF device in Tabriz Shohada Hospital were evaluated and postoperatively followed up for 9-12 months. We used a semicircular and one circular wire instead of the one or two loop of conventional HEF device for a better range of motion of the knee joint. Treatment outcomes including quality of walking, union condition, knee range of motion, complications, and the final outcome according to the knee score (rusmussen) were checked. Results: Twenty-eight male patients, with the mean age of 40.5413.83 years were enrolled in the study. Complications occurred in 8 (28.6%) patients; 7 cases with superficial infection and 1 patient with deep vein thrombosis. All complications were managed medically with no significant consequences left. All the patients were able to walk with no aid except in one case. In 96.4% and 89.3% of the cases, the clinical and radiological outcomes were good to excellent, respectively according to the knee score. In 85.7% of the patients, the knee range of motion was in normal limits. Conclusion: Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures could be effectively and safely managed with innovative design of HEF device.