A Comparative Clinical and Radiological Assessment of Ilizarov Fixation Versus Dual Plating in Schatzker Type V and VI Tibial Plateau Fractures using Honkonen Jarvinen Criteria

Abstract

Background: Tibial plateau fractures of Schatzker types V and VI are complicated injuries that frequently come from high-energy trauma. A compromise between minimal soft tissue disruption, stable fixation, and anatomical reduction is necessary to achieve the best results. Using the Honkonen Järvinen criteria, this study evaluates the radiological and clinical results of dual plating and Ilizarov external fixation in the treatment of these fractures.

Methods: 30 patients with Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures treated with dual plating or Ilizarov external fixation participated in prospective comparative research. Results were evaluated clinically and radiologically using the Honkonen and Järvinen criteria, and patients were monitored for at least a year. Pain, range of motion, walking ability, work capacity, and radiographic alignment were among the parameters assessed.

Results:
The clinical and radiological results for both groups were satisfactory. In terms of early weight-bearing and soft tissue preservation, the Ilizarov group had a statistically significant advantage (p < 0.05). Better initial articular reduction and fixation rigidity were attained by the dual plating group in the meanwhile. At the final follow-up, there was no discernible difference in range of motion, return to work, or radiographic alignment between the two groups' overall functional scores.

Conclusion:
Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures can be effectively treated with dual plating or Ilizarov external fixation. Dual plating can be used to achieve exact articular restoration, however the Ilizarov approach is better when soft tissues are affected. The surgeon's experience, the soft tissue condition, and the fracture pattern should all influence the procedure selection.