title: [Balloon osteoplasty as reduction technique in the treatment of tibial head fractures].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tibial plateau fractures requiring surgery are severe injuries of the lower extremities. Depending on the fracture pattern, the age of the patient, the range of activity and the bone quality there is a broad variation in adequate treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article reports on an innovative treatment concept to address split depression fractures (Schatzker type II) and depression fractures (Schatzker type III) of the tibial head using the balloon osteoplasty technique for fracture reduction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using the balloon technique achieves a precise and safe fracture reduction. This internal osteoplasty combines a minimal invasive percutaneous approach with a gently rise of the depressed area and the associated protection of the stratum regenerativum below the articular cartilage surface. This article lights up the surgical procedure using the balloon technique in tibia depression fractures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using the balloon technique a precise and safe fracture reduction can be achieved. This internal osteoplasty combines a minimally invasive percutaneous approach with a gentle raising of the depressed area and the associated protection of the regenerative layer below the articular cartilage surface. Fracture reduction by use of a tamper results in high peak forces over small areas, whereas by using the balloon the forces are distributed over a larger area causing less secondary stress to the cartilage tissue. This less invasive approach might help to achieve a better long-term outcome with decreased secondary osteoarthritis due to the precise and chondroprotective reduction technique.
authors: Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Tübingen, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, 72076, Tübingen, Deutschland. thomas.freude@gmx.de.
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Freude
authors: Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Tübingen, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, 72076, Tübingen, Deutschland.
authors: T M
authors: TM
authors: Kraus
authors: Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Tübingen, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, 72076, Tübingen, Deutschland.
authors: G H
authors: GH
authors: Sandmann
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D058498:Kyphoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D000070799:Open Fracture Reduction / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Balloon osteoplasty; Complications; Outcome; Proximal tibial fracture; Tibial plateau fracture