Introduction: Restoring the articular congruency in depressed tibial plateau fractures can be demining with traditional techniques. Alternate methods have therefore been suggested. In the current study we present our experience with the balloon-assisted reduction and tricalcium phosphate augmentation technique in the treatment of tibial depressed plateau fractures. Materials and Methods: Nine consecutive patients with Schatzker type II (n.5) and type III (n.4) fractures were treated with the balloon-assisted reduction and tricalcium phosphate augmentation technique. All patients were available for clinical and radiographic follow-up at an average of 14 months Pre and post-operatively, conventional radiographs, computerized tomography scans, and complications were evaluated. Functional evaluation was performed using the method of Rasmussen. The Rasmussen's anatomical grading system was used for the radiological evaluation of the knee. Results: Fractures healed uneventfully in all patients; no cases of nonunion, malunion or deep infection were detected. No cases of calcium phosphate migration were found. At the last follow up the mean Rasmussen’s functional score was 26.1 (good). No differences in terms of Rasmussen’s functional score and Rasmussen’s anatomical grading were detected between patients with Schatzker type II and Schatzker type III fractures during the follow-up. Conclusions: Balloon-assisted reduction and calcium phosphate augmentation represents an effective mini-invasive technique in the treatment of depressed tibial plateau fractures, allowing early weight bearing with good functional results.
