Assessment of Functional and Radiological Outcome of Proximal Lateral Condyle Fracture of Tibia (Schatzker Type 1, 2 and 3) Fixed with Locking Compression Plate and Screw

Tibial plateau fracture commonly occurs in road traffic accidents and sports injuries. These fractures are intra-articular and difficult to treat. Age, skin conditions, osteoporosis further increase the obstacles in the healing process that can produce permanent disabilities and their treatment is often challenged by severe fracture comminution.

All patients underwent X-ray and CT scan for assessment of type of fracture, depression of articular surface and also to decide plan of treatment based on displacement. The fractures were stabilized with the single lateral insertion of locking compression plate (LCP-). Patients were followed regularly at 2 weeks, 1 months, 3months and 6 months for functional assessment with pain, range of motion, stability and radiological assessment.

Union was achieved in all 35 cases., 17 patient had 130 degree of flexion(48.6%), 29 patient had no extensor lag (82.9%), 19 patient had excellent stability(54.3%), 30 patients (85.7%) had no plateau tilting post operation while 5 patients (14.3%) had tilting, 20 patients (57.1%) had no articular step off, 10 patients (28.6%) had 1–3 mm step off, 3 patients (8.6%) had 3–6 mm step off and 2 patients (5.7%) had more than 6 mm step off. 33 patients (94.3%) had no varus or valgus deformity post reduction while 2 patients (5.7%) had some varus or valgus deformity. None of our patients showed post traumatic degeneration of the articular cartilage till 6 months of follow up. Only 5 patients (14.3%) had post-operative complications.

The internal fixation of proximal tibial lateral condyle fractures with use of locking compression plate yields reliable results when utilized correctly. Locking compression plate allows fixed stable fixation with early mobilization and rehabilitation.