Surgical Approaches to Posterolateral Tibial Plateau Fractures. 2016

Matthew R Garner, and Stephen J Warner, and Dean G Lorich
Orthopaedic Trauma, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, Washington.

Tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral articular surface present a unique challenge to treating surgeons due to the complex anatomy of the region. The posterolateral corner complex and the proximity of the common peroneal nerve restrict both the exposure of the joint surface and the ability to distract across the joint using a varus force. Further, injury to the soft tissue envelope may prevent use of the optimal surgical incision. For these reasons, a thorough understanding of the anatomy and available approaches is essential when treating these fractures. Approach selection should be based on fracture pattern, the surrounding soft tissue envelope, and the patient's clinical conditions; concomitant injuries and overall health status must be accounted for. In this article, we highlight five surgical approaches that can be utilized to improve visualization and access to the posterolateral tibial plateau. These include three separate osteotomies performed through an anterolateral approach: lateral femoral epicondyle osteotomy, fibular head resection osteotomy, and a novel digastric fibular osteotomy. In addition, we will discuss a posterolateral approach and a direct posterior approach.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D010027 Osteotomy The surgical cutting of a bone. (Dorland, 28th ed) Osteotomies
D005360 Fibula The bone of the lower leg lateral to and smaller than the tibia. In proportion to its length, it is the most slender of the long bones. Fibulas
D005593 Fracture Fixation, Internal The use of internal devices (metal plates, nails, rods, etc.) to hold the position of a fracture in proper alignment. Osteosynthesis, Fracture,Fixation, Internal Fracture,Fixations, Internal Fracture,Fracture Fixations, Internal,Fracture Osteosyntheses,Fracture Osteosynthesis,Internal Fracture Fixation,Internal Fracture Fixations,Osteosyntheses, Fracture
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013978 Tibial Fractures Fractures of the TIBIA. Segond Fracture,Tillaux Fracture,Toddler's Fracture,Fracture, Segond,Fracture, Tibial,Fracture, Tillaux,Fracture, Toddler's,Fractures, Tibial,Tibial Fracture,Toddler Fracture,Toddlers Fracture

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