Bovine cancellous xenograft in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures in elderly patients

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of xenografts to improve the outcomes in elderly patients with tibial plateau fractures. Nineteen cases with a mean age of 74 years were followed prospectively from 1998 to 2003. Six patients each belonged to Schatzker types III, IV and V and one patient belonged to type II. Open reduction with fixation and xenograft impaction was carried out. Clinical and radiological union was assessed including infection rate, incorporation of the xenograft and average collapse of the fracture. The average union time was 20 weeks. No patient had wound infection and all had excellent incorporation of the xenograft with union. The average collapse was 4 mm on follow-up. This series shows the use of only an xenograft in acute fixation of these fractures with favourable outcome. Furthermore, it reduces operative time, bleeding and associated co-morbidities, which is of more significance in an elderly age group.