Outcomes of the Carlson Approach in the Treatment of Posterior Tibial Plateau Fractures

Abstract Objectives To describe a series of cases of tibial fractures surgically treated using the posterior approach as described by Carlson, focusing on evaluating its functional results and complication rate. Methods Eleven patients with tibial plateau fractures, who underwent surgical treatmen...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jonatas Brito de Alencar Neto, Itallo Epaminondas de Queiroz Rego, Márcio Bezerra Gadelha Lopes, Lana Lacerda de Lima, Renata Clazzer, Diego Ariel de Lima
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia 2023-08-01
Series:Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia
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Online Access:http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-36162023000200313&tlng=en
Description
Summary:Abstract Objectives To describe a series of cases of tibial fractures surgically treated using the posterior approach as described by Carlson, focusing on evaluating its functional results and complication rate. Methods Eleven patients with tibial plateau fractures, who underwent surgical treatment using the Carlson approach from July to December 2019, were followed-up. The minimum follow-up period was defined as 6 months. The American Knee Society Score (AKSS), American Knee Society Score/Function (AKSS/Function) and the Lysholm score were used to check treatment results at 6 months after the fracture. The patients underwent standard anteroposterior and lateral radiographs to assess fracture healing, and clinical healing was determined by the absence of pain during full weight-bearing. Results The mean follow-up period was 12 months (9-16 months). The primary mechanism of trauma was motorcycle accident, and the most prevalent side of fracture was the right side. Eight participants were male. The mean age of the patients was 28 years. All fractures healed, and none of the patients presented complications. The AKSS was excellent in 11 patients, with a mean AKSS/Function of 99.1±3, and Lysholm scores with a median of 95.0±5.6. Conclusions The Carlson approach for posterior fractures of the tibial plateau can be considered safe, presenting a low complication rate and satisfactory functional results.
ISSN:1982-4378