We evaluated the results of arthroscopic intra-articular reduction and internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures without cortical window along with any additional bone grafts.

From March 2006 to March 2009, twelve patients with arthroscopic intra-articular reduction and internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures over 5 mm in depression and displacement on the articular surface in computed tomography (CT) were enrolled in this study. We reduced or removed the depressed fracture fragment using freer without making a cortical window. Then, we accomplished internal fixation by a cannulated screw. All cases have not received bone graft. Both the postoperative clinical and radiological results were evaluated by the Rasmussen system.

The fractures were healed completely in an average of 9 (range from 7 to 12) weeks. According to Rasmussen classification, we obtained satisfactory clinical results as excellent in 8 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 1 case; and radiological results were excellent in 7 cases and good in 5 cases.

We consider that arthroscopic intra-articular reduction and internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures without cortical window and any additional bone grafts is are a useful methods for attaining satisfactory results.