title: Balloon tibioplasty: pearls and pitfalls.
abstract: Methods of tibial plateau fracture fixation have evolved over the last decades; however the techniques used to reduce these fractures have remained relatively unchanged. Balloon tibioplasty, a minimally invasive novel technique used in the reduction of depressed tibial plateau fractures, has been gaining popularity. This technique offers a slow controlled expansion of the balloon with multidirectional force vectors and a large surface area allowing for more bone to be elevated simultaneously. The technique also creates a well-defined bone void of known volume while theoretically compressing the surrounding bone, potentially limiting the risk of cement extrusion as well as late subsidence of the elevated bone. Although an attractive option, as with all novel techniques there is a learning curve. The purpose of this article is to briefly describe our technique of balloon tibioplasty, potential contraindications, and to illustrate some possible complications, and provide some tips and tricks we have found useful to avoid them.
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Denver Health Medical Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado.
authors: Cyril
authors: C
authors: Mauffrey
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Denver Health Medical Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado.
authors: Gareth
authors: G
authors: Roberts
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Denver Health Medical Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado.
authors: Derly O
authors: DO
authors: Cuellar
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Denver Health Medical Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado.
authors: Benoit
authors: B
authors: Herbert
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Denver Health Medical Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado.
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Hak
mesh_terms: D000075202:Contraindications; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D057234:Preoperative Period; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*