Outcomes following the treatment of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with fine wire circular frame external fixation compared to open reduction and internal fixation: A systematic review

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine whether circular frame external fixation provides better outcome and fewer complications when compared to open reduction internal fixation.MethodsA systematic search was carried out and studies were critically appraised with narrative data synthesis.ResultsThe systematic search yielded 131 titles and following a rigorous review only five articles were found to directly compare the two treatment methods.ConclusionsFine wire frame external fixation offers a modest advantage of better soft tissue outcomes. All in all, there is no current high-level evidence to suggest that newer osteosynthesis plates provide better results.