ARTHROSCOPY-ASSISTED VERSUS CONVENTIONAL FIXATION OF INTRA-ARTICULAR FRACTURES: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF JOINT-SPECIFIC OUTCOMES
Abstract
Arthroscopy-assisted fracture fixation has increasingly been adopted as an adjunct to conventional open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in the management of intra-articular fractures. While ORIF remains the standard surgical approach, arthroscopy enables direct visualization of articular surfaces and associated intra-articular pathology, potentially improving reduction accuracy and clinical outcomes. This narrative review compares functional and clinical outcomes of conventional fixation techniques with arthroscopy-assisted approaches across multiple joints, including the ankle, knee (tibial plateau), wrist (distal radius), and elbow. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and supplemented by systematic reviews from Embase and Cochrane databases. Current evidence demonstrates that arthroscopy-assisted fixation provides joint- and fracture-specific advantages, particularly in ankle fractures, Schatzker I–III tibial plateau fractures, and complete intra-articular distal radius fractures. Evidence for elbow fractures remains limited but suggests potential benefits in carefully selected cases. Arthroscopy-assisted fixation should be considered a complementary technique and applied selectively based on fracture morphology, joint involved, and surgeon expertise.
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