USE OF ARTHROSCOPY AND INTERPOROUS HYDROXYAPATITE AS A BONE-GRAFT SUBSTITUTE IN TIBIAL PLATEAU FRACTURES

Tibial plateau fractures in 17 patients were managed arthroscopically, using interporous hydroxypatite (HA) as a bone graft substitute. Soft -tissue repair and intra-articular lavages were carried out arthroscop ically, and depression of the articular surface was done by elevation of the subchondral plate by the bone compactor through a small window under image intensification and filling with HA through the tibial out er rim. Follow-up periods averaged 2 years and 6 months. According to roentgenograms and computed tomograms no development of arthrosis coul d be found. All of the patients have been followed to fracture union a nd have returned to their previous activity levels.