Minimally Invasive Surgery for Tibial Plateau Fractures under Arthroscope and C-arm X-ray Monitoring

Objective To explore the operative method and short term effect of minimally invasive surgery for treating tibial plateau fractures under arthroscope and C-arm X-ray monitoring.Methods A total of 23 cases with tibial plateau fracture were performed minimally invasive surgery under arthroscope and C-arm observation.During the operation,the fractures were treated by reduction and internal fixation of screws and plates without opening knee joint capsule.The associated meniscus injury was treated simultaneously by arthroscopy in 6 cases.Secondary stage reconstruction was performed in 2 cases with cruciate ligament injury.Results All fractures healed in 3 to 5 months without severe early complications as infection,poor wound healing and osteofascial compartment syndrome.All 23 cases were followed up for 6 to 24 months.There was no displacement and collapse of fracture site,loosening and breaking of internal fixator,traumatic knee osteoarthritis and inversion or eversion of the knee.According to Hohl-Luck scoring system,the outcome showed excellence in 18 cases,good in 4 cases and fair in 1 case.Conclusion The minimally invasive surgery under arthroscope and C-arm has advantages of less trauma,satisfactory reduction fixation and fast recovery of joint function for tibial plateau fractures;moreover,it can deal with associated injuries of knee joint at the same time.