Arthroscopy Assisted Reduction Percutaneous Internal Fixation versus Open Reduction Internal Fixation for Low Energy Tibia Plateau Fractures

The purpose of our study was to compare the curative effect of two surgical methods for Schatzker type I to III tibia plateau fractures, arthroscopy assisted reduction percutaneous internal fixation (ARIF) and open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), with the intent of evaluating the quality of evidence to assist treatment selection. Searches of PubMed, Cochrane and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing ARIF and ORIF regarding the following outcomes: functional outcomes, perioperative complications and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Odds ratios (OR) and weighted mean differences (MDs) were pooled using either a fixed-effects model or random-effects model, depending on the heterogeneity of the trials included in the analysis. 19 RCTs and one quasi-RCT provided the data from 1272 patients. ARIF was associated with better functional outcomes, a lower risk of perioperative complications, and lower risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. After consideration of the quality of evidence of the included studies, the advantages provided by ARIF are not substantive over ORIF for the treatment of Schatzker type I to III tibia plateau fractures, except reducing the risk of perioperative complications.