OBJECTIVE: A new three-dimensional(3D) classification of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tibial avulsion fracture based on computed tomography(CT) features was established and the significance in clinical treatment was explored in this study. METHODS: From May 2013 to November 2023, 43 cases of PCL tibial avulsion fracture in the Second Hospital of Jilin University were analyzed retrospectively, including 29 males and 14 females, aged (34.3±8.5) years. According to traditional Meyers and McKeever classification, 3 cases were typeⅠ;2 cases of typeⅡ;38 cases were type Ⅲ. Based on the characteristics of CT images, 43 patients were given specific treatment strategies and followed up to evaluate the curative effect. According to the degree of fracture displacement, involved range and the integrity of fracture block demonstrated by CT images, the new three-dimensional classification of PCL avulsion fracture was established. Kappa coefficient was used for consistency test. RESULTS: A new 3D classification of PCL tibial avulsion fracture was established. TypeⅠwas the non-displaced fracture (displacement degree ≤3 mm), in which typeⅠa was the avulsion range limited in the posterior intercondylar fossa, and Ib was the avulsion range beyond the posterior intercondylar fossa. TypeⅡrepresented the displaced fracture in the posterior intercondylar fossa (avulsion limited to the posterior intercondylar fossa and fracture displacement>3 mm), in which typeⅡa represented a slight displacement with a intact broken block and the posterior elevation of the avulsion (hinge mechanism), typeⅡb represented the complete separation of fracture ends with a intact fracture block, and typeⅡc was the comminuted fracture. Type Ⅲ was the displaced fracture beyond the posterior intercondylar fossa (avulsion involving the articular surface of the tibial plateau or the intercondylar ridge and the degree of displacement > 3 mm), among which type Ⅲa was the simple fracture with intact broken block, type Ⅲb represented the comminuted fracture, and type Ⅲc was the complex fracture with tibial plateau fracture. According to this new 3D classification, 43 patients were classified as type Ia in 2 cases and typeⅠb in 1 case;typeⅡa in 2 cases, typeⅡb in 15 cases and typeⅡc in 7 cases;type Ⅲa in 2 cases, type Ⅲb in 5 cases and type Ⅲc in 9 cases. All the 43 cases in this study achieved bone union. At the last follow-up, according to the hospital for special surgery knee score(HSS)evaluation system for the knee joint function, 27 cases were excellent, 11 cases were good, 5 cases were fair. The average Kappa value of inter-observer reliability in the first stage was 0.793, and the second stage was 0.855. The average Kappa value of the whole stage was 0.839, indicating high level of consistency. The average Kappa value of intra-observer reliability was 0.893, indicating high level of consistency. CONCLUSION The 3D classification of PCL tibial avulsion fracture is intuitive, demonstrating a high level of reliability. It has a certain guiding significance for the selection of clinical treatment methods, and it is suggested to be promoted and applied as a new classification system in clinical practice.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Posterior Cruciate Ligament/surgery* ; Adult ; Tibial Fractures/classification* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Fractures, Avulsion/classification* ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: There are no previous epidemiological studies to represent the trends of tibia fractures in the urban setting. The purpose of our study was to provide unique epidemiological information on the incidence of tibia fractures requiring admission in the urban population of Singapore. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of clinical and radiological records encompassing three years period from 2012 to 2014 in a tertiary hospital in Northern Singapore, which covers an adult population of 550,000. Clinical information included demographics, mechanism of injury, and Gustillo-Anderson classification. Radiological records were evaluated by two of the authors and fractures were classified using the AO classification after consensus was reached. RESULTS: There were 214 cases of tibia fractures with a population incidence of 13 in 100,000. Among the tibia fractures, 47% were diaphyseal, 43% proximal and 10% distal. Majority of patients were males with a male to female ratio of 3 to 1. The mean age of females was 64 years while that of males was 40 years. The commonest mechanism of injury was road traffic accident, which contributed to 42% of cases, with motorcyclists making up 78% of all road traffic accidents. Compound fractures made up 23% of all fractures, most of which were Gustillo-Anderson type III; 69% of patients underwent surgical intervention. CONCLUSION The incidence of tibia fractures is 13/100,000 with a male-to-female ratio of 3:1. This incidence is lower than other studies, but the proportion of open fractures were surprisingly high at 23%. Distribution of fractures was unimodal with a peak in younger men and older women. This may signify a component of fragility among tibia fractures, especially proximal and distal fractures, which peaks above the age of 80 years old.
Accidents, Traffic ; statistics & numerical data ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Hospitalization ; statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Incidence ; Inpatients ; statistics & numerical data ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Sex Factors ; Singapore ; epidemiology ; Tibia ; diagnostic imaging ; Tibial Fractures ; classification ; diagnostic imaging ; epidemiology ; surgery ; Time Factors ; Urban Population ; statistics & numerical data

The most commonly accepted system of classification for tibia plateau fractures is that of Schatzker. Increasingly, both high energy injuries and atypical osteoporotic fragility failures have led to more complex, unusual and previously undescribed fracture patterns being recognized. We present a case of a patient with a previously unreported pattern of tibia plateau fracture and knee dislocation. We highlight the challenges confronted and present the management and the outcomes of his injury. A 28-year old male motorcyclist was involved in a head on collision with a truck and was transferred by helicopter to our level 1 major trauma centre emergency department. His injuries were a circumferential degloving injury to his left leg and a right lateral tibial plateau fracture/knee dislocation. The pattern of the lateral tibial plateau fracture was unique and did not fit any recognised classification system. The patient received a spanning external fixator initially and after latency of 12 days for soft tissue resuscitation he underwent definite fixation through an antero-lateral approach to the proximal tibia with two cannulated 6.5 mm partially threaded screws and an additional lateral proximal tibia plate in buttress mode. A hinged knee brace was applied with unrestricted range of motion post-operatively and free weight bearing were permitted post operatively. At the 6 months follow up, the patient walks without aids and with no limp. Examination revealed a stable joint and full range of motion. Plain radiographs revealed that the fracture healed with good alignment and the fixation remained stable. High energy injuries can lead to more complicated fracture patterns, which challenge the orthopaedic surgeons in their management. It is crucial to understand the individual fracture pattern and the possible challenges that may occur. This study reports a lateral tibia plateau fracture/dislocation which perhaps is best described as a reverse Schatzker IV type fracture.
Adult ; External Fixators ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Humans ; Male ; Tibial Fractures ; classification ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

BACKGROUNDOperative decision-making of Pilon fractures are of great challenges until now. The aim of this study was to investigate the guidance of the four-column theory in decision-making therapeutic strategies for Pilon fractures and its result.

METHODSOne hundred and ten cases (107 patients) of Pilon fractures classified by the four-column theory and treated by ORIF, were reviewed. According to the four-column classification scheme, lateral column of 85 cases, posterior column of 66 cases, medial column of 77 cases, and anterior column of 61 cases are involved. Among all the 110 cases, single column of 14 cases, two columns of 46 cases, three columns of 17 cases, and all of four columns of 33 cases are involved.

RESULTSOne hundred and eight cases have been followed up. The average follow up time is 14.7 months, varying between 7 and 52 months. The average healing time is 3.6 months, ranging from 2.5 to 8.0 months. Reduction of 86.1% reviewed Pilon cases are good or acceptable according to Burwell and Charley's Radiology Evaluation System. Ankle function of 87.1% cases are excellent or good according to the AOFAS evaluation system.

CONCLUSIONAs a simple and comprehensive classification, the four-column classification can contribute to reasonable operation decision-making and good prognosis of Pilon fracture.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Tibial Fractures ; classification ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo introduce a method of three-column classifications for Pilon fractures and observe clinical utility on column fixation.

METHODSFrom June 2007 to March 2010,a total of 27 patients (29 ankles, 26 males and 1 female,ranging in age from 23 to 59 years, with an average of 33.1 years) with Pilon fractures were treated through column fixation by using semitubular plates or screws with anteromedial, anterior, posterolateral,posteromedial approach. And postoperative follow up were carried out.

RESULTSThe mean follow up was 17.5 months(ranged,5 to 33 months). According to the Mazur ankle grading system, the outcome was excellent in 20, good in 4 and fair in 5 ankles. Patients in this group did not have complications of wound dehiscence, deep infection, osteomyelitis, nonunion, ankylosis, and joint instability.

CONCLUSIONBased on the three-column classification, the clinical results for the treatment of Pilon fractures demonstrate the rationality and efficiency of this method.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tibial Fractures ; classification ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo explore a classification method which can provide the clinical guidance for internal fixation of tibial fracture.

METHODSThe different fractures were fixed according to their mechanical classification. Totally, 71 cases of tibial plateau fracture, tibial proximal fracture, tibial distal fracture and Pilon fracture were analyzed to test this selective principle.

RESULTSAll 71 patients were followed up for 6-32 months. The displacement was seldomly observed in cases treated acccording to the classification principle, while some cases against the principle had postoperative displacement. The difference was statistically significant (P less than 0.05). It was proved that there was remarkable correlation between tibial fracture classification, internal fixator and fixation methods.

CONCLUSIONTypes IIIa3, IIIb1 and IIIb2 fractures without eccentric moment should be fixed with double plates or angle-stable materials combined with locking structure, otherwise displacement may occur.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Tibial Fractures ; classification ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; surgery

PURPOSE: We analyed the mid-term results of distal tibial fractures treated with ilizarov external fixator and functional results according to delayed metaphyseal healing and fracture pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 23 distal tibial fractures treated with ilizarov external fixator followed for minimum two year (mean 53 months). There were 10 A fractures, 2 B fractures, and 11 C fractures according to the AO classification. Radiographically, we analyzed bony union time according to translation of diaphyseal-metaphyseal fracture line and assessed arthritic score. Functional results was assessed with AOFAS score and analyzed according to delayed healing and fracture pattern. RESULTS: Average union time was 21 weeks. Delayed healing of metaphyseal fracture line was associated translational displacement >3 mm (p=0.01). AOFAS scrore was averaged to 68 and there was no stastical significance between delayed metaphyseal healing and functional results (p=0.31). But, low AOFAS score and arthritis score was related to fracture type (p=0.02). In 11 C fractures, radiographic arthritic change were developed in 6 cases (55%). CONCLUSION: The main prognosis of distal tibial fractures depends on articular involvement and to shorten the external fixation time, metaphyseal fracture should be reduced within 3mm.
Arthritis ; Classification ; External Fixators* ; Prognosis ; Tibial Fractures*

PURPOSE: We analyed the mid-term results of distal tibial fractures treated with ilizarov external fixator and functional results according to delayed metaphyseal healing and fracture pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 23 distal tibial fractures treated with ilizarov external fixator followed for minimum two year (mean 53 months). There were 10 A fractures, 2 B fractures, and 11 C fractures according to the AO classification. Radiographically, we analyzed bony union time according to translation of diaphyseal-metaphyseal fracture line and assessed arthritic score. Functional results was assessed with AOFAS score and analyzed according to delayed healing and fracture pattern. RESULTS: Average union time was 21 weeks. Delayed healing of metaphyseal fracture line was associated translational displacement >3 mm (p=0.01). AOFAS scrore was averaged to 68 and there was no stastical significance between delayed metaphyseal healing and functional results (p=0.31). But, low AOFAS score and arthritis score was related to fracture type (p=0.02). In 11 C fractures, radiographic arthritic change were developed in 6 cases (55%). CONCLUSION: The main prognosis of distal tibial fractures depends on articular involvement and to shorten the external fixation time, metaphyseal fracture should be reduced within 3mm.
Arthritis ; Classification ; External Fixators* ; Prognosis ; Tibial Fractures*

OBJECTIVETo study the surgical skill and the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic treatment of tibial intercondylar eminence avulsion fractures using no absorbable suture fixation.

METHODSA total of 30 cases with avulsion fractures of the tibial intercondylar eminence were treated with no absorbable suture fixation from January 2001 to December 2004. All procedures were performed arthroscopically by the same surgeons. There were 8 cases of type II, 17 type III, 5 type IV based on the Meyers and McKeever classification and 26 cases were fresh fracture. The procedure was completed with the assistance from No. 18 spine needle and Kirschner wire (Ø2.0 mm and Ø1.0 mm) and director drill guide. Postoperative immobilization was not required.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 3 to 24 months, average (15.0 +/- 4.7) months. Subjective results of all cases were uniformly excellent. The mean Lysholm score was 98.4 in 18 cases of fresh fracture, and 89.8 in 4 cases of old fracture. Mean KT2000 side-to-side difference was normal in all case.

CONCLUSIONSThe technique is simple, safe, reproducible, minimal invasion and effective; postoperative immobilization is not required; knee joint function is excellent.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Arthroscopy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tibial Fractures ; classification ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE: To evaluate the functional results after internal fixation with two low profile plates in fractures of the distal tibia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 1998 to October 2002, twelve patients with fractures of the distal tibia were treated with internal fixation using two low profile plates and followed for at least one year. Fractures according to AO/OTA classification were one Type A1, four Type A2, two Type C1, two Type C2 and three Type C3. We analyzed the functional results by the Olerud and Molander ankle scoring system and the postoperative complications. RESULTS: The average functional score was 81.2 points and the results were three excellent, six good, one fair and two poor. Bony union was achieved in all cases. There was 1 case of superficial wound infection as a complication. CONCLUSION: Internal fixation with two low profile plates in fractures of the distal tibia may minimize the incidence of soft tissue complications and provide good bony union and functional results. Therefore, we consider internal fixation with two low profile plates as a good alternative treatment of the distal tibial fracture.
Ankle ; Classification ; Humans ; Incidence ; Postoperative Complications ; Tibia* ; Tibial Fractures ; Wound Infection