Functional outcome after tibial plateau fracture osteosynthesis: A mean follow-up of 6 years

Abstract Background Tibial plateau fractures often require surgical treatment. Functional outcome depends mainly on the range of knee motion, joint stability, and pain. Only a few studies evaluate the functional outcome of a tibial plateau fracture after operation. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the results and functional outcome of surgically treated (ORIF) tibial plateau fractures. Methods Between January 2000 and December 2010 all consecutive patients undergoing osteosynthesis of a tibial plateau fracture were included if they were discharged alive and completed the questionnaire. The primary outcome measures were functional outcome (“Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Score” (KOOS) questionnaire) and Health-related quality of life (HrQoL) using the EuroQol-6D (EQ-6D) questionnaire at the end of the study follow-up period (May 2013). Results Eighty-two patients were included in the functional outcome and HrQoL analysis. The functional outcome results were concluded as “Fair” for the overall cohort within the sections Symptoms/Pain/Self-care. A significant difference was seen in the Sport/Recreation section (functional outcome: “Poor”). Dividing our cohort in a low-energy and a high-energy-trauma group, significant lower functional outcome score was seen in the KOOS section Pain for the high-energy-trauma patients. The HrQoL of the total study-population was worse in comparison to an age-matched general Dutch population on the EQ-us (difference of 0.15). This decrease in HrQoL was seen in all dimensions of the EuroQol questionnaire. Conclusions Six years after discharge from hospital, patients still alive had a “Fair” functional knee outcome. However, HrQoL was lower in comparison to the general Dutch population.