Radiological and Functional Outcomes of Hybrid External Fixator Treated Schatzker Type V-Vi Tibial Plateau Fractures
Usman Amjad, Anum Sattar, Kiran Zarnab Khalid, Muhammad Abdul Shakoor, Waleed Imtiaz, Syed Wasif Ali Shah
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ABSTRACT
Background: Complex proximal tibial fractures caused by high energy trauma classified as Schatzker type V and VI pose a
management challenge due to associated extensive soft tissue damage.Though open reduction and dual plating is considered a
gold standard treatment option in these fractures but associated with wound breakdown and infection.
Aim: To evaluate the radiological and functional outcomes of percutaneous hybrid fixator as alternative treatment option in these
fractures.
Methodology: This study designed as prospective case series was conducted in Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore between May
2019 to May 2021.Twenty four patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were operated using a hybrid external fixator in schatzkerV
and VI tibial plateu fractures with compromised soft tissue.On follow upradiological and functional outcomes were being
evaluated.
Results: At Six months follow up after surgery Rasmussen knee score was graded as excellent in 13, good in 8, fair in 3 and
poor in 0 patients.In radiological outcome mean time to bony union was 13.5 weeks.One case of varus malunion and no case
case of non union was observed in our study.
Conclusion: Hybrid external fixator is a well found fixation alternative as compared to conventional open reduction and internal
fixation in Complex tibial plateau fractures with extensive soft tissue disruption achieving satisfactory radiological and functional
outcomes.
Keywords: Schatzker, Tibial plateau, Hybrid fixator.