[Percutaneous reconstruction and fixation of closed fractures of the tibial head. Results of a follow-up study].

A retrospective study was undertaken into 105 cases of closed fractures of the tibial head which had been treated by percutaneous elevation and fixation at the Surgical Casualty Ward of Dortmund, between 1973 and 1983. Follow-up check made 24 months from surgery, on average, revealed functional results which were in all respects comparable to those recorded from cases of open reduction and fixation. The approach was found to be applicable to closed reduction and impression fractures with first-grade and second-grade damage to soft tissue. Stability in exercise is claimed together with low surgical risk and trauma and with minimum demand for osteosynthesis implant. Good long-term results were found to depend strongly on early, intensive, and active exercise treatment.