The purpose of this study is to compare
arthroscopic assisted reduction internal fixation (ARIF)
treatment with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF)
treatment in patients with tibial plateau fractures. We
studied 100 patients with tibial plateau fractures (54 men
and 46 women) examined by X-rays and CT scans, divided
into 2 groups. Group A with associated meniscus tear was
treated by ARIF technique, while in group B ORIF technique
was used. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to
116 months. The patients were evaluated both clinically
and radiologically according to the Rasmussen and HSS
(The Hospital for Special Surgery knee-rating) scores. In
group A, the average Rasmussen clinical score is
27.62 ± 2.60 (range, 19–30), while in group B is
26.81 ± 2.65 (range, 21–30). HSS score in group A was
76.36 ± 14.19 (range, 38–91) as the average clinical result,
while in group B was 73.12 ± 14.55 (range, 45–91).
According to Rasmussen radiological results, the average
score for group A was 16.56 ± 2.66 (range, 8–18), while in
group B was 15.88 ± 2.71 (range, 10–18). Sixty-nine of
100 patients in our study had associated intra-articular
lesions. We had 5 early complications and 36 late complications.
The study suggests that there are no differences
between ARIF and ORIF treatment in Schatzker type I
fractures. ARIF technique may increase the clinical outcome
in Schatzker type II–III–IV fractures. In Schatzker
type V and VI fractures, ARIF and ORIF techniques have
both poor medium- and long-term results but ARIF
treatment, when indicated, is the best choice for the lower
rate of infections.