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Do associated proximal fibula fractures help predict the severity of tibial plateau fractures?

Authors :
Mackie, Duncan B.
Mitchell, Brendon C.
Siow, Matthew Y.
Onodera, Keenan M.
Berger, Garrett K.
Kent, William T.
Source :
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology; Oct2023, Vol. 33 Issue 7, p2959-2963, 5p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Purpose: Proximal fibula fractures are often associated with tibial plateau fractures, but their relationship is poorly characterized. The purpose of this study was to better define the relationship between tibial plateau injury severity and presence of associated soft tissue injuries. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on all operatively treated tibial plateau fractures at a Level 1 trauma center over a 5-year period. Patient demographics, injury radiographs, CT scans, operative reports and follow-up were reviewed. Results: Queried tibial plateau fractures from 2014 to 2019 totaled 217 fractures in 215 patients. Fifty-two percent were classified as AO/OTA 41B and 48% were AO/OTA 41C. Thirty-nine percent had an associated proximal fibula fracture. The presence of a proximal fibula fracture had significant correlation with AO/OTA 41C fractures, as compared with AO/OTA 41B fractures (chi-square, p < 0.001). Of the patients with a lateral split depression type tibial plateau fracture, the presence of a proximal fibula fracture was associated with more articular comminution, measured by number of articular fragments (mean = 4.0 vs. 2.9 articular fragments, p = 0.004). There was also a higher rate of meniscal injury in patients with proximal fibula fractures (37% vs. 20%, p = 0.003). Conclusions: There was a significant relationship between the higher energy tibial plateau fracture type (AO/OTA 41C) and the presence of an associated proximal fibula fracture. The presence of a proximal fibula fracture with a tibial plateau fracture is an indicator of a higher energy injury and a higher likelihood of meniscal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16338065
Volume :
33
Issue :
7
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
171993078
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-023-03513-1