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. 2019 Jan 4;16(1):91-96.
doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2018.12.016. eCollection 2019 Jan-Feb.

Malreduction of tibial articular width in bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated with circular external fixation is associated with post-traumatic osteoarthritis

Shankar Thiagarajah  1 , Graeme E Hancock  2 , Edward J Mills  3 , Jonathan C McGregor-Riley  3 , Simon L Royston  3 , Michael G Dennison  3
Affiliations

Malreduction of tibial articular width in bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated with circular external fixation is associated with post-traumatic osteoarthritis

Shankar Thiagarajah et al. J Orthop. .

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to report outcomes of Bicondylar Tibial Plateau (BTP) fractures treated using Ilizarov fixation, and identify risk factors for developing post-traumatic radiographic osteoarthritis (ROA).

Methods: Retrospective study of 80 BTP fractures managed with Ilizarov fixation.

Results: All fractures united, with only 3 cases of deep infection. ROA was evident in 12.5% at average 13 months post-injury. Increased tibial articular-widening associated with risk of developing ROA (p = 0.02).

Conclusion: Ilizarov fixation is safe and reliable in the management of BTP fractures. Restoration of tibial articular-width at fixation associated with reduced risk of developing radiographic OA.

Keywords: Bicondylar; Fracture; Ilizarov; Osteoarthritis; Plateau; Tibial.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Computed tomography imaging of a patient pre-operatively.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Post-operative radiographs of the same patient.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Final radiographs after union in the same patient with excellent Rasmussen Radiological Score.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Kaplan-Meier survival curve for patients requiring total knee arthroplasty.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Post-operative and post-Ilizarov frame removal radiographs demonstrating evidence of osteoarthritis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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