TIBIAL PLATEAU FRACTURES - SURGICAL MANAGEMENT BY MIPPO

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tibial plateau fractures are one of the most common intra-articular fractures. They are the outcome of indirect coronal or direct compressive forces. The incidence of tibial plateau fractures is 1.3% of all fractures. These fractures have varied degree of fracture configuration involving medial, lateral or both tibial plateaus with varied degree of intraarticular depressions and displacements. Due to speedy vehicles and mechanization there has been increase in the number of tibial plateau fractures. Knee joints being one of the major weight bearing joints of human body, these fractures are of big importance. METHODS: We studied 30 cases of tibial plateau fractures treated by MIPPO at kempegowda institute of medical sciences from June 2012 to April 2014 with minimum follow up of up to 6months. RESULTS: All the selected patients were evaluated both clinically as well as radiologically. The lab investigations were done and then they were taken up for the surgery. The fractures were classified as per schatzker's classification and treated accordingly. In the post-op period early range of movements were started and the patients were non weight bearing till 6 weeks. Till 12 weeks partial weight bearing was allowed and full weight bearing was allowed after radiological union of the fracture. CONCLUSION: Tibial plateau fractures when treated with MIPPO give articular anatomical reduction, rigid fixation and early mobolisation of the knee joint. This prevents development of osteoarthritis and includes all the advantages of minimally invasive procedure and so better patient compliance.