title: Orthopaedic trauma mythbusters: intra-articular fractures.
abstract: Intra-articular fractures of the tibial plateau, pilon, and calcaneus often present a challenge for the treating orthopaedic surgeon. These injuries can have substantial comminution in the joint and the metaphyseal areas and are often accompanied by considerable soft-tissue trauma. In recent years, several questionable beliefs concerning these fractures have emerged and are best considered as myths. These myths include the beliefs that most patients with intra-articular fractures will have poor outcomes even with good surgical treatment, severe intra-articular fractures require a later reconstructive procedure regardless of the treatment, and the surgical treatment of comminuted intra-articular fractures has a high complication rate and may result in infection and limit the available options for limb salvage. A review of the literature regarding the treatment of common intra-articular fractures is helpful in determining if these myths concerning treatment options can be confirmed or disproved.
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA.
authors: Robert F
authors: RF
authors: Ostrum
mesh_terms: D002111:Calcaneus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D057072:Intra-Articular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D023821:Limb Salvage; D009229:Mythology; D011859:Radiography; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome