Efficacy of Dual Plating in Bicondylar Tibia Plateu Fractures

Abstract

Introduction – A bicondylar tibial plateau fracture is a severe orthopaedic injury characterized by the simultaneous disruption of the upper surface of the tibia's two condyles, which are the rounded bony prominences at the knee joint. This complex fracture often results from high-energy trauma and poses significant challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment due to its impact on knee stability and function.[1]

Material and methods –  50 patients were included in this study (30 male and 20 female), from November 2020 to March 2023, with Schatzker V and VI fractures of tibial plateau surgically treated with bicondylar plating followed up for 1year and functional outcomes were assessed by knee society scoring system[2,3], and radiologically by Rasmussen radiological score[4].

Results –   In our study functional outcome by knee society at 1 year of follow up excellent – 20 (40%), good 25 (50%), fair – 5 (10%), poor 0. According to Rasmussen radiological score at 1 year follow up excellent -2(4%), good 35(70%), fair – 13(26%), poor 0.

Conclusion-  Surgical management using dual locking fixation is a primary treatment for Schatzker type V and VI. It offers strong stabilization and has shown positive outcomes both in terms of function and radiographic assessment.