title: Gait characteristics before hardware removal in patients operated upon for tibial plateau fractures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The reporting of gait analysis data on operated fractures of the tibial plateau, while extensive for studies of knee osteoarthritis of mostly undisclosed aetiology and ACL deficient knees, is rather limited in literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the present study we investigated 25 tibial plateau fractures classified as Schatzker II, IV, V and VI that underwent operative reduction and lateral plate osteosynthesis. Apart from routine radiographic exploration and patient completed (KOOS) scores at three (mean of 3.2 months), six (mean of 5.6 months) and 12 months (mean of 11.3 months) postoperatively, gait analysis was performed at these intervals as well. Cadence, step time and knee flexion were the gait parameters that were selected for the comparison at six and 12 months postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The analysed gait parameters were significantly improved between the six and the 12-month session and statistically significant differences were found between the two groups of values. Cadence had a mean value of 41 steps/minute at six months and 45 steps/minute at 12 months (p = 0.99). Step time was a mean of 0.74 seconds at six months while at 12 months the median value was 0.66 seconds (p = 0.94). Knee flexion angles evolved in a similar manner with mean values of 58° at six months and 69° at 12 months (p = 0.95). The mean KOOS scores were 42.4, 56.3 and 67.99 at three, six and 12 months postoperatively, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Complex intra-articular fractures, classified as Schatzker IV, V and VI, had a higher impact on joint function than Schatzker II fractures treated with similar techniques and implants. There were statistically significant improvements in the recovery status at 12 months postoperatively compared to six months with extended chances for improvement.
authors: 1st Clinic of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Timisoara, Romania.
authors: Bogdan
authors: B
authors: Deleanu
authors: Radu
authors: R
authors: Prejbeanu
authors: Dan
authors: D
authors: Crisan
authors: Vlad
authors: V
authors: Predescu
authors: Iulian
authors: I
authors: Popa
authors: Dan V
authors: DV
authors: Poenaru
mesh_terms: D020878:Device Removal; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D057072:Intra-Articular Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*