Treatment of Schatzker Type II-VI Tibial Plateau Fractures by Means of Syndesmotaxis Using an Ilizarov External Fixator and Postoperative CT Evaluation

Introduction Tibial plateau fractures are more common in young patients following high-energy trauma. In this study, we aim to evaluate the articular surface reduction quality by means of postoperative computer tomography (CT) in Schatzker type II-VI tibial plateau fractures treated with an Ilizarov frame. Materials and methods This case series study included 45 patients with a mean age of 39.5 years (range: 18 to 65 years) with a Schatzker type II-VI tibial plateau fracture. The surgical technique was a mini-open reduction of the articular surface impaction followed by application of an Ilizarov circular frame with knee bridging. Pre- and postoperative CT scan evaluation was performed in all of the patients. Outcomes were measured using the American Knee Society Score (AKSS). Mean outpatient follow-up was of at least 12 months (range: 12 to 21 months). Mean time for fracture consolidation was 15.5 weeks (range: 13 to 19 weeks). According to the degree of postoperative articular surface impaction, patients were grouped as follows: 11 had less than 2 mm of depression, 27 had 2 to 4 mm of depression, and 7 over 4 mm of depression. Results Patients with articular surface impaction of more than 4 mm presented statistically significant lower values of AKSS compared to those with impaction of lower than 2 mm (p<0.001) and 2-4 mm (p<0.001). Patients with joint alignment equal to or more than 5 degrees presented statistically significant lower values of AKSS compared to those with lower than 5 degrees. Conclusions Schatzker type II-VI tibial plateau fractures may be treated successfully with mini-open reduction and the application of an Ilizarov frame. The increase of articular surface impaction by 1 mm causes reduction of AKSS by 15 units. Patients with joint alignment equal to or more than 5 degrees present lower values of AKSS. The preoperative CT scan is important and useful in planning the surgical intervention no matter the classification system is used.