# Arthroscopic-assisted tibial plateau fixation (AATPF) vs. Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF): A multicenter randomized controlled trial

> **NIH NIH R34** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 2024 · $170,861

## Abstract

Arthroscopic-assisted tibial plateau fixation (AATPF) vs. Open reduction internal fixation
(ORIF): A multicenter randomized controlled trial
Project Summary/Abstract
The current standard treatment for tibial plateau fracture fixation, open reduction internal fixation
(ORIF), has significant limitations including surgical site infections, pain, stiffness, and a
prolonged period of non-weight bearing restrictions. The large soft tissue dissection for ORIF is
associated with an increased risk of surgical site infections, and limited visualization of joint
reduction in this surgical approach is associated with an increased risk of future total knee
arthroplasty secondary to post-traumatic osteoarthritis.1-6 Arthroscopic-assisted tibial plateau
fixation (AATPF) provides direct visualization of the articular surface with minimal invasiveness,
accelerated post-operative recovery, and preserves joint longevity.7,8 Several studies have
reported good outcomes with low complication rates of AATPF for lateral tibial plateau
fractures.9,10 However, there is no Level I evidence comparing outcomes of AATPF and outcomes
of the traditional ORIF approach. We have designed a randomized controlled trial (RCT)
comparing patient-reported, clinical, and radiographic outcomes of patients with lateral tibial
plateau fractures treated with AATPF vs. ORIF to provide high level evidence-based data for
clinicians. The proposed R34 pre-study planning period is essential to successfully
initiate and complete the RCT.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10923964
- **Project number:** 5R34AR082020-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- **Principal Investigator:** Mai P Nguyen
- **Activity code:** R34 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $170,861
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-07 → 2026-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10923964

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10923964, Arthroscopic-assisted tibial plateau fixation (AATPF) vs. Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF): A multicenter randomized controlled trial (5R34AR082020-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10923964. Licensed CC0.

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