Intra-articular elevating osteotomy for tibial plateau fracture malunion with intra-articular depression: Surgical technique and review

Abstract

Open reduction with internal fixation is the gold standard treatment for tibial plateau fractures. However, some complications can be observed despite a well-established procedure. Apart from stiffness, malunion is the most frequent complication of tibial plateau fractures. These malunions may be intra-articular or extra-articular or combined. Intra-articular or extra-articular osteotomy is a good option to treat malunion in young and active patients without significant joint damage. When malunion is associated with extensive joint involvement or the initial cartilage damage has resulted in knee osteoarthritis, the surgical option is a total replacement of the knee joint with arthroplasty. We report the case of a patient with a tibial plateau fracture treated initially at a traditional bonesetter complicated at the end of the treatment with the persistent of the knee pain and limping.