3D mapping and classification of tibial plateau fractures

Abstract

Aims Tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) are complex injuries around the knee caused by high- or low-energy trauma. In the present study, we aimed to define the distribution and frequency of TPF lines using a 3D mapping technique and analyze the rationalization of divisions employed by frequently used classifications. Methods In total, 759 adult patients with 766 affected knees were retrospectively reviewed. The TPF fragments on CT were multiplanar reconstructed, and virtually reduced to match a 3D model of the proximal tibia. 3D heat mapping was subsequently created by graphically superimposing all fracture lines onto a tibia template. Results The cohort included 405 (53.4%) cases with left knee injuries, 347 (45.7%) cases with right knee injuries, and seven (0.9%) cases with bilateral injuries. On mapping, the hot zones of the fracture lines were mainly concentrated around the anterior cruciate ligament insertion, posterior cruciate ligament insertion, and the inner part of the lateral condyle that extended to the junctional zone between Gerdy’s tubercle and the tibial tubercle. Moreover, the cold zones were scattered in the posteromedial fragment, superior tibiofibular syndesmosis, Gerdy’s tubercle, and tibial tubercle. TPFs with different Orthopaedic Trauma Association/AO Foundation (OTA/AO) subtypes showed peculiar characteristics. Conclusion TPFs occurred more frequently in the lateral and intermedial column than in the medial column. Fracture lines of tibial plateau occur frequently in the transition zone with marked changes in cortical thickness. According to 3D mapping, the four-column and nine-segment classification had a high degree of matching as compared to the frequently used classifications. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(6):258–267.

Fracture mapping of complex intra-articular calcaneal fractures

“…The fracture mapping technique was adopted from Yao et al and Cole et al (10,12). The reduced calcaneal fracture models were imported into 3-matic software and adjusted to best match the 3D calcaneal templates.…”

“…Fracture mapping can record the size, shapes, numbers, and orientations of fracture fragments, and help surgeons determine the optimal treatment (5). To date, fracture mapping has been applied to scapular, tibial, hip, and acetabular fractures (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11). However, there have been no reports concerning fracture mapping for the treatment of calcaneal fractures.…”

Translational Medicine: What Orthopaedic Perspectives and Challenges Does the Mapping Technology?

“…For example, fracture lines of tibial plateau occur frequently in the transition zone with marked changes in cortical thickness. According to the 3D heat mapping of MT, the four-column and nine-segment classification had a high degree of matching as compared to the frequently used classifications [13]. We note that in most studies, the process of virtual reduction, the existing MT can only show the distribution of the fracture line on the surface, but not the displacement and compression of the fracture block, so the accuracy is difficult to estimate objectively.…”

“…The summary statistics indicating the number of data extracted from the individual studies was performed using counts, frequencies, and percentages [13].…”

“…In the latest study, the classification of the tibial plateau was studied using fracture MT. From the perspective of three-dimensional mapping, the four-column and nine-segment classification methods have a higher degree of matching compared with the commonly used classification methods [13].…”