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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology

Published in:

02-08-2022 | Incision | Original Article

Approach variation affects outcomes after operative repair of lateral tibial plateau fractures

Authors: Alexa R. Deemer, Neha Jejurikar, Sanjit Konda, Philipp Leucht, Kenneth A. Egol

Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology | Issue 5/2023

Abstract

Purpose

To determine if the type of approach used for treatment of lateral split-depression tibial plateau fractures affects clinical outcome and complications rate.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 169 patients who presented between 01/2005 and 12/2020 to a Level-I trauma center for operative management of an isolated lateral Schatzker II tibial plateau fractures (AO/OTA Type 41B3.1) treated through a single anterolateral approach: a 90-degree “L” (L), longitudinal vertical (V), or “lazy S” (S). Postoperative radiographic, clinical, and functional outcomes were assessed at 3, 6, 12 months, and beyond.

Results

Average time to radiographic healing was longer in the S incision cohort (p < 0.05). Furthermore, patients within the S incision cohort developed more postoperative wound complications at follow-up when compared to those within the L and V incision cohorts (p < 0.05). Additionally, reoperation rates were greater in the S incision cohort (p < 0.05). Lastly, on physical examination of the knee, patients within the S incision cohort had significantly poorer knee range of motion (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that skin incision type in the anterolateral approach to the proximal tibia has an association with outcomes following operative repair of tibial plateau fractures. The information from this study can be used to inform surgeons about the potential complications and long-term outcomes that patients may experience when undergoing operative repair of a tibial plateau fracture through a specific incision type.

Level of evidence

III.

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Title: Approach variation affects outcomes after operative repair of lateral tibial plateau fractures
Authors: Alexa R. Deemer
Neha Jejurikar
Sanjit Konda
Philipp Leucht
Kenneth A. Egol
Publication date: 02-08-2022
Publisher: Springer Paris
Keywords: Incision
Tibial Plateau Fracture
Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology / Issue 5/2023
Print ISSN: 1633-8065
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1068
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-022-03343-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Approach variation affects outcomes after operative repair of lateral tibial plateau fractures

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of evidence

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of evidence

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