Treatment of high-energy tibial plateau fractures

Treatment of high-energy fractures of the tibial plateau requires an inordinate degree of surgical effort in order to avoid complications. Fracture reduction can be a challenge to experienced hands and the soft tissue conditions are intolerant of careless dissection. In general, it is an oversimplification to use one technique of stabilisation for such a heterogenous group (even within one classification tier). This article describes the specific attributes of Schatzker type 6 injuries (AO 41C) that enable decisionmaking algorithms to be generated and balances the merits for plate stabilisation and external fixation against injury characteristics. A detailed description is given for circular fixation in these injuries to assist those unfamiliar with the technique.