Abstract: Introduction: Fractures of tibial plateau disrupts knee alignment, stability and motion. Incidence of proximal tibia fractures is increasing due to increasing incidence of road traffic accidents. The recent development of locking compression plate (LCP) has revolutionized the treatment of proximal tibia fractures by overcoming the drawbacks of conventional buttress plate. The aim of the study is to evaluate the functional outcome of proximal tibial fractures fixed with locking compression plate.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study is of 30 patients involving proximal tibia fracture managed using LCP [20 patients with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteo-synthesis, (MIPPO) technique and 10 patients with Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) technique]. We followed up all the patients until complete union of fractures & desirable functional outcome. (Figure no 4, 5 & 6)
Results: The average time for union of fracture was 16 weeks (range: 12-24 weeks). Overall, 80% patients had acceptable functional outcome. Patients treated with MIPPO technique healed earlier and more frequently had excellent results than those treated with ORIF.
Conclusion: Locking compression plate system acts as a good biological fixation for proximal tibia fractures even in difficult fracture situations. MIPPO technique offers short duration of procedure, less blood loss, less soft tissue injury and wound healing was better and faster healing, and better clinical outcome than ORIF in patients with proximal tibia fracture.
