title: Percutaneous methods of tibial plateau fixation.
abstract: Various methods of percutaneous fixation of tibial plateau fractures are available. The optimal method of fixation is dictated by soft tissue injury, fracture characteristics, and functional demands of the patient. Unicondylar fractures are amenable to percutaneous stabilization with screws or plates although some fractures are best approached with open techniques. Hybrid and ring external fixators are most appropriate for patients with bicondylar injuries who have severe soft tissue trauma. Use of intramedullary nails to align ipsilateral shaft fractures adjacent to percutaneously fixed plateau injuries remains controversial but may be indicated for some patients with bicondylar lesions and combined plateau and shaft fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, New Jersey Medical School, Newark 07103, USA.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Sirkin
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Bono
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Reilly
authors.forename: F F
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Behrens
mesh_terms: D016267:External Fixators; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000150:complications; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*