The Efficacy of Meniscal Treatment Associated with Lateral Tibial Plateau Fractures

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of lateral meniscal tears associated with lateral tibial plateau fractures and report the clinical outcomes of meniscal treatment with internal fixation of fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All lateral tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker types II and III) in skeletally mature patients treated operatively at our institution between January 2010 and February 2016 were included. All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation using a buttress plate or cancellous screws. All meniscal tears were initially considered for repair using an all-inside technique. RESULTS: The incidence of lateral meniscal tears with lateral tibial plateau fractures was 64%. Ten patients underwent meniscal repair. In second-look arthroscopy, normal healing was observed in all of the repaired lateral menisci. At the last follow-up, none of the 10 patients had clinical symptoms related to meniscal injuries. One of the 4 patients who had not undergone meniscal treatment although a lateral tear was suspected based on magnetic resonance imaging achieved stable bony union; however, due to the complaint of persisting knee pain, lateral meniscectomy was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of meniscal lesions associated with lateral tibial plateau fractures showed good clinical and second-look arthroscopic results. Therefore, we believe that recognition and treatment of a meniscal injury at the time of surgical fixation can improve clinical outcome.