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PURPOSE: The primary aim of the present study was to compare basic characteristics of patients requiring early treatment with TKR and patients not requiring TKR within 3 years following a lateral tibial plateau fracture.METHODS: Comparative cohort study. From December 2013 to November 2016, 56 patients were included. Five patients required a TKR within the first 3 years. We compared the basic characteristics (age, gender, BMI, comorbidity, osteoporosis, fracture classification, soft tissue injuries and trauma mechanism) between patients.RESULTS: Comparing baseline characteristics of the two groups of patients shows a higher rate of females (56.4% vs 80%), a higher BMI (25.9 vs 29.9), a higher rate of patients with diabetes (8% vs 20%), a higher rate of the fracture type AO 41-B1 (8% vs 80%) and a higher rate of soft tissue injuries (46% vs 100%). Age, smoking status and preoperative maximum joint depression were comparable between the two groups.CONCLUSIONS: Female gender, severe comorbidity, obesity, osteopenia, fracture type AO 41-B and soft tissue injuries were associated to early total knee replacements following surgically treated lateral tibial plateau fractures.

Intra-articular corrective osteotomy can be used to restore the anatomic position of knee surfaces for tibial plateau malunion (TPM) but precise restoration is not easy. The personalized surgical guide (PSG) might improve the TMP outcomes. This study developed a two-staged PSG method to provide registration and drill the bone for subsequent osteotomy. The tests were performed to compare the accuracy the proposed PSG and the conventional guide (Anterior cruciate ligament guide, ACLG). The results showed that the PSG provides better accuracy (0.50 ± 0.19 mm) than the ACLG (1.58 ± 0.67 mm). The results show the PSG method is a feasible alternative to the conventional ACLG procedure.

Purpose The existing classification systems of tibial plateau fracture (TPF) are suboptimal for clinical use and academic communication. A more comprehensive and universal classification system with the capability to analyze all patterns of TPF is urgently required to guide the clinical practice. This study aimed to analyze the incidence and fracture characteristics of TPF using a computed tomography-based “four-column and nine-segment” classification. Methods According to the differentiated morphological characteristics, tibial plateau and proximal fibula were divided into four columns, which were subdivided into nine segments. Tibia plateau injury index (TPII) was innovatively introduced to represent the extent of injury. A total of 698 consecutive adult patients with 704 affected knees were included (377 females, 321 males, mean age 51.6 ± 12.9 years). Fracture mapping was retrospectively analyzed according to the new-style classification system based on the CT imaging. Results 371 (53.2%) left knees and 321 (46.0%) right knees were injured solely and 6 (0.9%) cases sustained bilateral injuries. The rates of one-column, two-column, three-column and all-four-column injuries were 30.5%, 31.5%, 28.0% and 9.9%, respectively. On average, 2.2 ± 1.0 columns and 3.6 ± 2.1 segments were involved, the mean TPII was 5.7 ± 3.0. The rates of mild, moderate and severe comminuted fractures were 50.0%, 37.5% and 12.5%. The most frequently affected columns were lateral column (572, 81.3%) and intermedial column (524, 74.4%), and the less frequently involved columns were the medial column (219, 31.1%) and fibular column (218, 31.0%). The most frequently affected segments were the posterolateral segment (465, 66.1%), anterolateral segment (453, 64.3%) and posteromedian segment (379, 53.8%). The least frequently involved segment was tubercle segment (85, 12.1%). Conclusions The novel “four-column and nine-segment” classification will be a beneficial classification system for clinical diagnosis, statistical analysis and prognostic judgment of tibial plateau fractures.

To review available approaches and fixation methods for posterolateral fracture fragment (PLF) in tibial plateau fracture, and to propose an algorithm to treat various types of plateau fractures which all involve the PLF. This article reviews multiple surgical approaches for PLF and suggests an algorithm for suitable approach and fixation method according to PLF with combined plateau fracture. The modified anterolateral approach is a suitable single approach for fractures with a PLF combined with an anterolateral plateau fracture and for isolated posterolateral fracture fragments. For a multicolumn tibia plateau fracture involving the lateral, medial and posterior columns, dual approaches (modified anterolateral and posteromedial approach) can be used to access the entire plateau area. When considering approaches of this complex fracture pattern, one must consider local soft tissue condition, plateau fracture morphology, associated injuries, and fixation options. After review of multiple approaches described in the literature for PLF fixation, we can suggest an algorithm for the approach and fixation to treat tibial plateau fractures with posterolateral fracture fragments.

Aims and Objectives: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are often concomitated by posterolateral bone bruise in the MRI. This is caused by a ventral subluxation of the tibia and impact of the femur in the posterolateral tibia plateau. In some cases, this impact causes a fracture of the posterolateral tibia plateau, the so-called Apple-Bite-Fracture. The increased posterior slope can cause additional instability and has to be considered as a risk factor for ACL failure. In this study we investigated the short term clinical outcomes of patients with this combined injury. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of 14 patients (mean age 46 ± 12,3) (8 male, 6 female) with a mean follow up of 23,75 months. Different treatment strategies were analyzed. The clinical evaluation included visual analog score (VAS) increasing from 0-10 for Pain, IKDC Score, Rasmussen score as well as a clinical evaluation. Results: First analysis of the treatment options revealed a non-uniformed therapy strategy. In three patients the ACL tear was treated nonsurgical. In 11 patients the ACL tear was addressed surgical: six times the ACL was reconstructed with hamstring tendon graft, two times the ACL was sutured. Two patients treated with a non-reconstructive technique to promote healing (“healing response”). In one patient a tibial eminence fracture was fixated with a screw. The fracture of the posterolateral tibia plateau was in nine cases minimally invasive reduced and fixated with a screw osteosynthesis in jail technique. Two patients needed posterior buttress plate. Three times the large bone defect has been augmented with autologous bone graft from the pelvis. The postoperative clinical testing did not reveal any persisting knee instabilities. All patient had a non-limited ROM. No significant differences in ROM in comparison to the contralateral knee was seen. One patient reported persisting knee pain (VAS 3). All other patients reported no pain (VAS 0). Subjective IKDC score was 78,18 (71,3 - 83,9; ± 5,68). Clinical Rasmussen scores ranged from 27 to 30 (mean 27, ± 3,0). Rasmussen radiological results ranged from 16 to 18, mean 16,67 (± 1,15). Conclusion: Despite a very small patient number and leck of statistical power the new patient-spedific mini-metal implant seems to be a good options fort he treatment of middle-aged patients who already underwent frustane cartilage surgery. In these relatively rare caes early unicompartimental arthroplasty can be prevented. Further clinical studies with larger patient collectives have to prove the effectiveness of this new technique.

A 67-year-old male involved in a 35 mile/h motorcycle collision. He presented to the emergency room with right lower extremity deformity. Vascular exam demonstrated an ankle brachial index (ABI) of 0.9, and tense compartments were noted on palpation. The patient was intubated secondary to closed head injury, rendering the motor and sensory exam impossible. Skin and soft-tissue envelope were intact.

The patient is a 59-year-old female who slipped and fell on ice landing on her left lower extremity. The patient was evaluated in the emergency department, where she complained of isolated left knee pain. Her knee was moderately swollen without open wounds. The compartments of her lower extremity remained soft without evidence of compartment syndrome. Examination found her to be motor and sensory intact. Her past medical and surgical history is noncontributory.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of the intra-operative three-dimensional imaging in the tibial plateau fractures with complex depressions. Material and methods: Thirty tibial plateau fracture patients with complex depression were treated with the use of intra-operative three-dimensional imaging (Arcadis 3D). The image quality as well as the clinical benefit was evaluated. Results: In total 74 plates were used in these 30 patients. Six Kirschner wires and 50 screws were used outside the plate as raft technique in 4 and 21 patients. The additional critical imaging information which was unachievable in plain fluoroscopy was gain in 12 patients. Four patients among these 12 patients were revised because of the depression. Two patients were revised due to the misplacement of screws. Conclusion: The intra-operative three-dimensional imaging (Arcadis) is necessary when the two-dimensional fluoroscopy was unsatisfactory in the depressed tibial plateau fracture.

Objectives: Arthrofibrosis is a serious complication following the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterolateral corner (PLC) injury. Loss of motion caused by arthrofibrosis can be disabling in young and active patients. We report the clinical results of the treatment of arthrofibrosis following arthroscopic reconstruction of ACL with ipsilateral hamstring tendon graft and surgically repairing PLC with 2 suture anchors in a 30 year-old professional dancer, treated with surgical lysis and manipulation under general anesthesia followed by aggressive physical therapy. Methods: A 30 year-old male professional dancer presented with pain, effusion and severe instability in his left knee after falling in a dance event. The pain was evaluated on Visual analog scale (VAS) as 6 to 8. At the physical examination, anterior drawer test was evaluated as grade 3, pivot shift test, varus test, dial test and posterolateral drawer test were found positive. The Tegner Lysholm score was evaluated as 22 (poor). Under general anesthesia, left knee had tendency to external rotation and recurvatum when leg was suspended by toes. A magnetic resonance image (MRI) revealed the presence of a total ACL rupture, PLC injury and a fracture of lateral tibia plateau. The patient was treated with arthroscopic reconstruction of ACL with ipsilateral hamstring tendon graft fixed with endobutton through femoral tunnel and bio interference screw through tibial tunnel and PLC injury was treated with 2 suture anchors. Postoperatively first day, quadriceps musculature and active and passive ROM exercises was trained. During postoperatively third week, the patient was allowed to mobilize nonweight bearing with the use of two crutches without functional knee brace. At the sixth week, arthroscopic lysis was performed due to type 3 arthrofibrosis. At the tenth week, manipulation was performed to the left knee under general anesthesia. Results: At the 3 month- follow-up, the patient achieved full symmetric restoration of motion and he had returned to full daily activities. The Tegner Lysholm score was evaluated as 94 (excellent) postoperatively. Functional examination of the left knee reveled 155 of flexion, and full knee extension. The complaint of instability was disappeared. At 9 month-follow-up, clinical findings were unremarkable, with no sign of re-rupture and arthrofibrosis and he returned to his professional dance career. Conclusion: In the literature there is not any consensus regarding the management and rehabilitation intervention for arthrofibrosis in young athletes or professional dancers. The best treatment method is preventing the arthrofibrosis once it has occurred with surgical lysis and aggressive physical therapy. The combined surgical treatment and physiotherapy described in this case report may assist clinicians in the treatment of arthrofibrosis after arthroscopic reconstruction of ACL and PLC injury.

Injury to the lower extremities play a major role in sports (soccer, skiing, etc.). They have furthermore emerged as the most frequent non-minor injury resulting from frontal vehicle crashes since restraint systems (belts, airbag in frontal impacts) are not particularly designed for the protection of the legs (and arms). Yet, injuries of the extremities are often the reason for long-term impairment [Haland et al. 1998, Crandall 2001].

Preventing fractured joint from arthritic change remains a challenge, especially in weight-bearing joints. Hyaluronan (HA) has been proved to effectively relieve pain and improve function in chronic osteoarthritis (OA) joint. However, controversies still exist in its potential use in fractured joints and whether this effect is molecular weight dependent. We analyzed and compared the effects of two different molecular weight HAs on six OA-related factors expression in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from twelve patients with tibia plateau fracture