Background
This retrospective study with follow-up was undertaken to compare postoperative results and functional outcomes of tibial
plateau fractures treated with non-locking and locking plate fixation.
Methods
Over a 5-year period, 60 tibial plateau fractures were treated with plate fixation. Fracture classifications, complications
and tibial alignment were compared, and the Knee Society Knee Score and EuroQol questionnaire were used to evaluate functional
outcomes.
Results
The mean length of follow-up was 19 months. Although the locking plate cohort had a higher proportion of older patients and
severe fractures, less bone grafts were used and less complications were observed. Eighteen percent of cases were malaligned
on the coronal plane.
Conclusion
The locking plate cohort had some operative advantages and showed less ongoing subsidence for malaligned cases. There was
no significant difference in functional outcomes. However a larger study with age, fracture-classification and health status
matched cohorts may identify improved functional outcomes in the locking plate cohort.
Keywords Tibia - Plateau - Fracture - Internal fixation - Plate - Locking