Current concepts in tibial plateau fractures.
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.
Thomas
Ch
Ch
Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
Athanasiov
A
A
Wullschleger
M
M
Schuetz
M
M
D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*