Quantifying Quadriceps Atrophy Following Tibial Plateau Fracture

Quantifying Quadriceps Atrophy Following Tibial Plateau Fracture

This study will quantify and examine the extent to which the quadriceps femoris muscle group atrophies following tibial plateau fractures and the length of time that atrophy affects function. The study will also look at the effects of tibial plateau fractures on the quadriceps muscle and the effect this atrophy has on functional outcome. Quadriceps atrophy will be measured both clinically and by using MRI scans taken pre-operatively, 3 months post operatively, and 1 year post-operatively. The injured leg and the non-injured leg will be scanned in order for the non-injured leg to serve as the control. In this way muscle volume can be estimated from the muscle thickness at specific locations in the thigh. The muscle strength of the quadriceps will also be assessed at the 3 month and 1 year visit by measuring isokinetic knee-extension torque, and functional assessment questionnaires will be completed at each study visit.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All racial and ethnic groups
• Diagnosis of tibial plateau fracture
• Patients who opt for surgical treatment or non-operative treatment of their fracture
• Patients who consent to undergoing 3 MRI scans
• Patients who are willing to follow-up for a minimum of 52 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients younger than 18 years old or older than 65
• Patients who may be pregnant or may become pregnant in the 52 weeks following injury
• Patients who have electric, magnetic, or mechanical devices currently implanted
• Patients who have abnormal ECG results
• Diagnosis of any additional lower extremity fractures other than tibial plateau
• Patients who fit the definition of a vulnerable population