Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate methods of early postoperative rehabilitation and its effects on patients with bicondylar tibial plateau fracture treated by modified dual plating.Methods66 patients with bicondylar tibial plateau fracture from Tianjin Hospital were divided into 2 groups according to the starting time for postoperative rehabilitation: early rehabilitation group (n=30), convalescents rehabilitation group (n=36). The two groups had the same treatment since the fourth week postoperative. Tibial plateau angle (TPA) and posterior slope angle (PA) of tibial plateau were measured to evaluate the stability of proximal tibial and knee alignment. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score system and knee joint range of motion (ROM) were used as the parameters for knee function.ResultsThe mean value of TPA and PA had no significant changes, compared to the final follow-up and postoperative X-ray films(P>0.05); the differences between the two groups were statistically significant in the mean HSS score and mean value of knee flexion and extention ROM(P<0.01 or 0.05). There was significantly positive correlation between starting time and the total number of treatment was significant(P<0.01), while negative correlation with flexion ROM of knee joint and the HSS score(P<0.01).ConclusionThe correlation between rehabilitation intervention timing and functional recovery for patients with bicondylar tibial plateau fracture treated by modified dual plating is significant, early individual and systematic rehabilitation therapy can effectively improve the prognosis features of patients.

Key words: tibial fractures, fracture fixation, rehabilitation, knee joint, function evaluation