Introduction:
Post-traumaticOsteoarthritis osteoarthritis of the knee is a common complication following malunited proximal tibia fractures treated by internal fixation. Delayed treatment failed internal fixation native splinting can lead to malunited tibia plateau fractures.
Case report:
We report a 10-month-old malunited proximal tibia fracture with osteoarthritis of the knee joint who had underwent native splinting. The patient presented with complaints of pain over the left knee joint and inability to weight bear over his left leg for the past ten 10months. Radiographs showed malunited proximal tibia fracture. Since there were signs of osteoarthritis of the affected knee joint, it was decided to treat primarily by total knee arthroplasty. Postoperatively, the patient could walk freely without a stick and had no pain. The knee was stable and had a full range of movement.
Conclusion:
Post-traumatic knee arthritis is a dreaded complication following both conservative and surgical management of proximal tibia fracture due to immobilization and knee stiffness. The primary use of total knee replacement TKR can be considered an alternative treatment for patients with intra-articular fractures of the tibia not extending past the metaphysical area to provide the patient with a stable and pain-free joint.