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CC BY 4.0 · Surg J (N Y) 2025; 11: a27195359
DOI: 10.1055/a-2719-5359
Review Article

Tibial Plateau Fractures in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Treatment Modalities, Functional Outcomes, and Complications

Authors

  • Elmuhtadibillah Babiker Yousif Gasoma 

    1   T&O Department, Morriston hospital, Swansea Bay UHB, Swansea, United Kingdom

  • Mohamed Ahmed Sarhan

    1   T&O Department, Morriston hospital, Swansea Bay UHB, Swansea, United Kingdom

  • Moustafa Sameir Hussein Aly

    1   T&O Department, Morriston hospital, Swansea Bay UHB, Swansea, United Kingdom
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Abstract

Background

Tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) are complex intra-articular injuries associated with long-term disability if not optimally treated. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where high-energy trauma is prevalent and health system resources are constrained, management strategies, and outcomes differ substantially from those reported in high-income countries. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from LMICs on treatment approaches, functional outcomes, and complications following TPFs.

Materials and Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and regional databases for studies conducted in LMICs, published up to May 2025. Eligible studies included adult patients with TPFs managed surgically, reporting functional or radiological outcomes. Data were extracted on demographics, fracture type, surgical technique, and outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and Cochrane ROB-2 tools.

Results

Fifteen studies comprising 1,213 patients from South Asia, and Africa were included. Patients were predominantly male (65–75%) with mean ages between 35 and 45 years; road traffic accidents were the leading cause. Dual plating yielded superior alignment and higher Knee Society Scores (75–85) but carried increased infection rates (10–18%). Ilizarov and hybrid fixators achieved high union rates (>90%) with acceptable function, although pin-tract infections (15–20%) and malalignment (10–12%) were common. Arthroscopic-assisted fixation improved articular reduction but was limited to tertiary centres. A randomized trial demonstrated that immediate weight-bearing enhanced gait recovery without increased implant failure. Across studies, complication rates exceeded those reported in high-income countries, reflecting systemic barriers such as limited rehabilitation access, implant scarcity, and inadequate soft tissue care.

Conclusion

In LMICs, satisfactory union and functional recovery can be achieved following TPF surgery, but complication rates remain high. Dual plating offers superior stability, while Ilizarov fixation provides a resource-appropriate alternative. System-level improvements in rehabilitation, infection prevention, and trauma infrastructure are critical to narrowing outcome disparities with high-income countries.

Keywords

tibial plateau fracture - LMIC - external fixation - dual plating - Ilizarov - functional outcome

Authors' Contributions

E.B.Y.G. was involved in the study design, data acquisition, drafting of the article, critical revision, and final approval of the manuscript. M.A.S. contributed to data acquisition and approved the final version of the manuscript. M.S.H.A. also contributed to data acquisition and approved the final version of the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the manuscript.




Publication History

Received: 28 August 2025

Accepted: 04 October 2025

Article published online:
04 November 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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Bibliographical Record
Elmuhtadibillah Babiker Yousif Gasoma, Mohamed Ahmed Sarhan, Moustafa Sameir Hussein Aly. Tibial Plateau Fractures in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Treatment Modalities, Functional Outcomes, and Complications. Surg J (N Y) 2025; 11: a27195359.
DOI: 10.1055/a-2719-5359
 

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