**5.2 Mobilisation**

Once a satisfactory fracture reduction and stabilisation have been obtained, the immediate mobilisation is done. The soft tissue and skin coverage lesions are limited. Immediate continuous passive motion (CPM) can be beneficial for the restoration of the articular homeostasis and the remodelling of the small articular fragments. When the external fixator locks the knee, a stable construct to early mobilisation of the pacient is mandatory. In generaly at 3-6 weeks the articular mobility is achieved, depending of the fracture type and stability of the fixation.

Fig. 7. X ray Pre and postoperative aspects

Fig. 8. X ray Pre and postoperative aspects

### **5.3 Weight-bearing**

232 Modern Arthroscopy

We use anticoagulant therapy for thrombembolism profilaxy. There were no DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE) complications in our series. There was no compartmental syndrome in our series due to low pressure during joint irrigation in arthroscopy, no pump

As tibial plateau fractures are associated with considerable soft tissue trauma and sometimes with prolonged operation times using a tourniquet, DVT is not a rare

The use of one of the low-molecular-weight heparins is advisable. One should prolong their use for more than 3 weeks until the complete mobilisation of the knee and the pacient. Foot and calf mechanical compression devices can also be used with success. Compressive

Once a satisfactory fracture reduction and stabilisation have been obtained, the immediate mobilisation is done. The soft tissue and skin coverage lesions are limited. Immediate continuous passive motion (CPM) can be beneficial for the restoration of the articular homeostasis and the remodelling of the small articular fragments. When the external fixator locks the knee, a stable construct to early mobilisation of the pacient is mandatory. In generaly at 3-6 weeks the articular mobility is achieved, depending of the fracture type and

ACL : anterior cruciate ligament ; IKS : International Knee Society.

We reduced the infection rate by: - reduced time of surgery; - minimal dissection; - extraperiosteal dissection; - minimal size of implants;


**5.2 Mobilisation** 

stability of the fixation.

Fig. 7. X ray Pre and postoperative aspects

**5. Postoperative care** 

complication (Williams et al., 1995).

**5.1 Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prevention** 

antithromboembolic stockings are always mandatory.

was used.

In general, walking with crutches with minimal load bearing is possible after a few days. In simple fractures, or stable construct fixation full bearing is allowed at 10-12 weeks. The articulated cast braces or rehabilitation braces can be usefull in early rehabilitation. Secondary, progressive impaction of the depressed zone can occur due to weight bearing, even 4 to 5 months postoperatively, especially in obese patients or those with ostheoporotic bone.
