FRACTURES OF THE TIBIAL CONDYLES

¹ Orthopaedic Service, Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York, N. Y.

Sixty-one fractures of the tibial condyles have been reviewed with special reference to the end results in relation to type of fracture and treatment in thirty-three cases. The following conclusions were demonstrated:

1 . Operative replacement of the depressed or fractured condyle is seldom necessary except in cases of extreme displacement, as satisfactory functional results are obtained even when considerable irregularity of the condylar tables persists.

2. Lateral instability of the knee joint is a temporary phenomenon in most of these cases, and decreases gradually during the recovery period. It cannot be considered permanent until the end of one year, and, per se, requires no treatment.

3. A slight valgus or varus deformity or even slight lateral instability is not incompatible with excellent function of the extremity, and the deformity does not progress.

4. Plaster or brace immobilization must be maintained until roentgenograms show evidence of satisfactory union. In most instances, six to seven weeks is sufficient. Prolonged immobilization detracts from the freedom of the joint and is unnecessary as a preventative of deformity.

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