title: Current concepts in tibial plateau fractures.
abstract: Tibial plateau fractures can range from a simple lateral split pattern to very complex bicondylar injuries that can be a sour- ce of great disability. these fractures can provide a challenge for both junior as well as for senior surgeons alike. careful evaluation of the mechanism of injury and fracture pattern plays a crucial part in the operative planning. Assessment of the soft tissues should be performed carefully and adequate imaging is mandatory to allow a more detailed evaluation of the fracture architecture and pre-operativeplanning. Timely accurate reduction and fixation is the goal. Over the last decade the surgical approach chosen has been largely determined by the fracture pattern. Internal plate osteosynthesis through antero-lateral and postero-medial incisions is the most commonly utilised technique for complex bi-condylar fractures. An early range of motion with special attention to full knee extension is essential for a successful functional outcome. Application of the principles mentioned is a pre-requisite to achieve the best result. New fixation techniques, such as locking plates, have not changed those principles but helped to apply them more reliably.
authors.affiliation: Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Ch
authors.initials: Ch
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Athanasiov
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wullschleger
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schuetz
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*