OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical effects of protecting the internal structure of the knee and internal fixation through two different directions for the treatment of tibial plateau fractures with medial large block split.

METHODSFrom January 2010 to January 2016, data of 21 patients of tibial plateau with medial large block split fractures who were treated with protecting the internal structure of the knee and internal fixation through two different directions were retrospectively analyzed, including 17 males and 4 females, with an average age of (39.2±3.2) years old ranging from 27 to 63 years. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs as well as computed tomography(CT) images were obtained in the course of preoperative. It was made in the operation to protect medial knee structure, combining with internal fixation via two different directions plates(medial and posteromedial). If the posterolateral condyle fracture was involved, a plate was applied through posterolateral approach. Rasmussen score was used for radiological assessment, and HSS knee score was used for efficacy assessment at 1 year after operation. The fracture healing time was judged by X-ray and clinical examinations, additionally, the complications and corresponding outcomes were also recorded.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 10 to 24 months with an average of(17.2±1.7) months. All fractures were healed, the healing time was 9 to 16 weeks with an average of(11.1±3.2) weeks. The Rasmussen score after surgery was 1 to 18 points with an average of(16.7±1.5) points. Sixteen cases got excellent, 3 good and 2 fair. At the final follow-up, HSS functional scores ranged from 60 to 100 points with an average of (87.3±6.7) points, the result was excellent in 18 cases, good in 2 cases and fair in 1 case.

CONCLUSIONSFor a split fracture of the medial tibial plateau, the medial incision, full protection of the medial knee structure, and two different directions of supporting plate fixation are feasible, and the short-term effect is satisfactory.