A Meta-Analysis for Postoperative Complications in Tibial Plafond Fracture: Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Versus Limited Internal Fixation Combined With External Fixator

9 studies investigating open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and limited internal fixation combined with and external fixator (LIFEF) for the treatment of tibial plafond fractures were included in this meta-analysis. The purpose of this analysis was to determine whether LIFEF yielded fewer postoperative complications than ORIF. The meta-analysis found that rates of nonunion, malunion, and delayed union, bone healing, deep and superficial infection, arthritis symptoms, and chronic osteomyelitis were comparable between groups.