Clinical effect of posterolateral knee approach for treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo discuss the clinical results of surgical reduction and fixation via posterolateral knee approach in the treatment of postemlateral tibial plateau fractures.MethodsThe study involved 32 patients with posterolateral tibial plateau fractures treated through posterolateral knee approaches from January 2006 to July 2009.There were 19 males and 13 females,at the age of 27-70 years (mean,38.1 years).Injury causes included traffic injuries in 19 patients,high fall injuries in nine and other in four.There were seven patients combined with anterior cruciate ligament injuries,which was all tibial plateau insertion avulsion. Results All patients were followed up for 12-36 months (mean,18.2 months),which showed bone union,without presence of incisional infection,loosening or breakage of screws,varus or valgus deformity of the knee,or fracture redisplacement.One patient had tension injury of common peroneal nerve postoperatively and recovered after two months conservative treatment of Methycobal.According to the Rasmussen knee function score,the results were excellent in 19 patients,good in 11 and fair in two,with excellence rate of 94％.ConclusionPosterolateral knee approach facilitates the reduction and fixation of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures and has advantages of clear exposure,convenient placement of internal fixation,small invasion and good clinical results.