OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical efficacy of double-plate fixation for the treatment of old tibial plateau fractures with Schatzker type IV through anterior midline and posteromedial approaches.

METHODSFrom July 2013 to July 2015, 15 patients with old tibial plateau fractures were treated with internal fixation using locking reconstructive plate for the posteromedial fragment and anatomical locking plate for anteromedial fragment through antero midline and posteromedial approaches. There were 9 males and 6 females, with an average age of 49.2 years old (ranged, 21 to 61 years old). Eight patients had injured in the left side and 7 in the right side. According to Schatzker classification, all patients were type IV. The mean interval from injury to operation was 26.5 days (ranged, 21 to 65 days). The main clinical symptoms before operation were knee joint swelling, pain, deformity and limitation of motion. The X-ray and CT confirmed the fracture type. The indexes such as tibial plateau tibial shaft angle (TPA), femoral tibial angle (FTA) and posterior slope angle (PSA) were compared between immediate postoperation and final follow-up using postoperative X-ray film. The knee functions were evaluated using the HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery) knee score system.

RESULTSTwo patients had incision complications which healed by correct treatment, 1 patient had traumatic arthritis. All patients were followed up for mean 16.6 months (ranged, 13 to 24 months). No infections, deep venous thrombosis, implant loosening and breakage, fragment displacement, plateau surface collapse and bone nonunion found. The bone union time ranged from 3 to 8 months (mean 6.07 months) after operation. The average immediate postoperative value of TPA, FTA and PSA were(86.81±1.67)°, (168.00±3.29)° and(10.20±1.47)° respectively; and(86.47±1.67)°, (168.53±3.03)° and (10.54±1.21)° respectively at the final follow-up evaluation, showing no statistical differences(>0.05). According to the HSS score system, 26.33±3.86 in pain, 20.00±1.79 in function, 16.00±1.55 in range of motion, 8.67±0.94 in muscle strength, 8.53±1.67 in flexion deformity, 9.33±0.94 in joint stability, and the total mean score was 88.86±8.92. The outcomes were excellent in 10 cases, good in 4, and fair in 1.

CONCLUSIONSDouble-plate fixation via combined anterior midline and posteromedial approaches is an ideal surgical method for old tibial plateau fractures with Schatzker IV type, showing satisfactory exposure, reliable reduction and fixation, and benefiting for early functional exercise. The short-term clinical results was satisfactory.