Arthroscopically assisted osteosynthesis of tibial plateau fractures in patients older than 55 years.

Abstract

To evaluate the end results of arthroscopically assisted osteosynthesis of tibial plateau fractures in patients older than 55 years of age. Case series. Over a 5-year period, 201 consecutive patients presented with tibial plateau fracture; 131 of these patients were treated with arthroscopically assisted osteosynthesis of the tibial plateau. Inclusion in the retrospective analysis was limited to those patients older than 55 years at the time of injury and those who were available for follow-up at the time of the study. Thirty patients met these criteria. Secondary displacement occurred in 9 patients (30%) within 12 weeks after surgery. After a median follow-up of 3 years, 24 of 30 patients (80%) had an excellent or good clinical result according to the modified Rasmussen criteria. There was no difference in clinical outcome between the patients with or without secondary displacement of the fracture. Given the good clinical results, arthroscopically assisted osteosynthesis has been shown to be highly efficient in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures in the elderly.