Severe Tibial Plateau Fracture Treated with Ilizarov and Minimal Internal Fixation

This retrospective study is to evaluate the outcome of severe tibial plateau fracture treated with Ilizarov external fixation with minimal internal fixation. It encompasses all cases of severe tibial plateau fractures treated with Ilizarov and minimal internal fixation (3.5 mm cortical rafting screws or rim plating) from Jan 2019 till June 2022 in Sarawak General Hospital, with a minimal follow -up of 1 year. The study included 13 patients; 10 males and 3 females -with a mean age of 50.4 years. Among them, 5 cases were open fractures.6 were Schatzker V and 7 were Schatzker VI.10 patients presented with grade II Tscherne soft tissue injury, while 3 had grade III injuries. To maintain articular reduction and congruity, at least 2 rafting screws or rim plating were employed. All fractures achieve union without any cases of deep -seated infection or septic arthritis. Mean duration for the Ilizarov External Fixator was 17.5 weeks. Pin tract infectionswere observed in 3 patients and there were no iatrogenic peroneal nerve injuries.The mean range of motion was 105.3 degrees and the mean Rasmussen radiological score was 15.2.In conclusion, Ilizarov with minimal internal fixation provide good outcome with low morbidity for severe tibial plateau fracture.