The tilting of the articular surface in the fractures of proximal tibia cause malalignment of the leg and secondary overloading, and instability of the knee. The aims of treatment of the proximal tibial fracture are to obtain a stable, aligned,
mobile
and painless joint and to prevent post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
We reviewed 54 fractures of proximal tibia in 54 patients, and analysed the relation between the methods of treatment according to classifications of fracture and the rasidual varus and valgus angle of the proximal tibia. To make the criterion of
defining the angular deformity, the authors measured the proximal tibial angle in normal 85 persons. The average proximal tibial angle was a varus of 3.6 2.8 degree. Among the 54 cases, six showed varus angulation of more than 5 degrees(two in
type
IV,
two in type VE of the Schatzker classification, ansd one in simple and comminuted metaphyseat fracture respectively), and one (type VI of hte Schatzker classification) showed valgus angulation of more than 5 degrees. Factors that may cause the
angular
deformity after treatment of the proximal tibial fracture are the adequacy of reduction, the stability of fixation, the degree of comminution the initial bone graft, the failure fo buttress and the proxiaml fibular fracture.
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