Tibial plateau fractures are associated with poor functional outcomes and a low conversion rate to total knee arthroplasty

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to analyse the functional outcome and the conversion rate to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after surgically treated tibial plateau fractures (TPF). Methods All patients undergoing surgical treatment of TPF at a single institution between January 2003 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Tegner activity scale (TAS) were collected. The conversion rate to TKA was examined 2, 5, 7 and 10 years after surgical treatment of TPF. Results Ninety‐four patients, with a mean follow‐up of 110.6 months (±60.0), were included in the functional outcome assessment. Mean KOOS scores were 75.4 for symptoms, 80.6 for pain, 84.3 for activities of daily living (ADL), 59.5 for sports and 61.3 for QOL. All subscales were significantly lower on the injured side compared with the contralateral leg. Lower KOOS was observed in patients with hardware removal and Schatzker type 5 and 6 injuries. Median TAS was postinjury (4) significantly lower than preinjury (5) ( p < 0.001). The conversion rate to TKA was 6.3%, 10.9%, 11.7% and 12.2% after 2,5,7 and 10 years of follow‐up, respectively. Patients undergoing TKA were older than patients with no conversion to TKA (2 years follow‐up 53.8 vs. 64.5 years, p = 0.026). Conclusion TPFs decrease the function of the knee when compared with the contralateral side and to the preoperative condition. Bicondylar fractures are associated with worse functional outcomes. A conversion rate to TKA of 12.2% was found at 10 years follow‐up. Level of Evidence Level III.