Fig. 5.

Representative radiographs showing the follow-up of a split-depression-type tibial plateau fracture (OTA/AO 41-B3, Schatzker type 2) in the autologous iliac bone-graft (AIBG) group and a depression-type tibial plateau fracture (OTA/AO 41-B2, Schatzker type 3) in the CBVF group. At the final follow-up visit, both fractures were healed without any complications (Rasmussen score, 18 points). The AIBG is visible in the postoperative radiograph directly underneath the lag screws. In the CBVF group, the radiopaque area in the lateral metaphysis corresponds to the Iohexol contrast agent in the applied bone cement. Iohexol diffuses away from the cement within 2 to 3 days and does not impair the assessment of the bone defect healing at later time points. At 26 weeks, bone defect healing with directional formation of bone trabecula was noticed in the standard anteroposterior radiograph in both groups (Jerosch score, 5 points).