European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Primary objective of the use of grafting in a subarticular defect associated with tibial plateau fractures
is to prevent the collapse of articular defect. Autogenous iliac bone graft has been the most frequently
recommended treatment for defects associated with unstable tibial plateau fractures. Despite the wide
acceptance of autogenous iliac bone graft as the so-called gold standard, complications of graft harvest,
ranging from temporary pain and numbness to long-term functional impairment are well documented.
Twenty acute, closed, unstable tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker's types II through VI) that required
open reduction and internal fixation with Computerized Randomization for the type of grafting of the
subarticular defect was done at the time of surgery. The age, weight, height, and sex of the patients and
the fracture patterns were comparable in the two groups. All fractures united in both groups within the
same time period (an average of three months); Union was determined by the treating surgeon
clinically as the ability of the patient to bear full weight without pain and, radio graphically, as the
disappearance of the fracture lines on the three-month follow-up anteroposterior and lateral
radiographs.