Publication
Minimally invasive and open surgical treatment of proximal tibia fractures using a polyaxial locking plate system: a prospective multi-centre study
Journal Paper/Review - Feb 16, 2013
Jöckel Jens A, Gebhard Florian, Lill Helmut, Partenheimer Axel, Täger Gert, Husain Baher, Hoffmann Reinhard, Reissig Jörg, Vincenti Miscia, Erhardt Johannes, Röderer Götz
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
Brief description/objective
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a polyaxial locking plate of the latest generation (NCB PT(®), Zimmer Inc.) which can be applied both open and minimally invasively, can be used as a routine method of treatment for proximal tibia fractures.
METHODS
Eighty-six patients (35 women, 51 men; mean age 51 years) were enrolled in this prospective multicentre trial. Ninety-six percent of the fractures were intra-articular (AO type B and C); 36 % were treated open and 64 % minimally invasively. Follow-up was obtained three, six and 12 months after surgery.
RESULTS
No implant failure occurred. At 12 months, the functional result using a knee-specific score was good to excellent in 95 %, and 99 % of the fractures were radiologically healed.
CONCLUSION
The system is a versatile implant for proximal tibia fracture treatment. Polyaxiality and a specific locking mechanism are compatible with different fracture patterns. The minimally invasive technique effectively protects soft tissues but should not be performed at the expense of fracture reduction. Early functional results and complication rate are comparable to those in the literature.