Outcomes following the treatment of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with fine wire circular frame external fixation compared to open reduction and internal fixation: A systematic review

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether circular frame external fixation provides better outcome and fewer complications when compared to open reduction internal fixation. METHODS: A systematic search was carried out and studies were critically appraised with narrative data synthesis. RESULTS: The systematic search yielded 131 titles and following a rigorous review only five articles were found to directly compare the two treatment methods. CONCLUSIONS: Fine wire frame external fixation offers a modest advantage of better soft tissue outcomes. All in all, there is no current high-level evidence to suggest that newer osteosynthesis plates provide better results.