The Medial Approach for Arthroscopic-Assisted Fixation of Lateral Tibial Plateau Fractures

OBJECTIVES: Tibial plateau fractures are complex injuries involving the weight bearing surface of the tibia. Open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws is an established method of treatment for complex fractures (Schatzker types V–VI). Arthroscopically assisted techniques have been used successfully for simple fractures (Schatzker types I–III). Historically, arthroscopic-assisted reduction for lateral tibial plateau fractures have been performed through a laterally based metaphyseal window. We found this technique to have several limitations, including bone grafting through a short subchondral tunnel. Also, there was a risk of lateral vascular supply distrubtion. We proposed that medial window approach technique would provide a longer tunnel for subchondral support and aid in fracture reduction. We aimed to present our initial experiences in first seven cases approaching lateral tibial plateau fractures through a medial metaphyseal window. METHODS: Our series involves 7 patients with 5 Schatzker type II and 2 Schatzker type III lateral tibial plateau fractures treated by a single surgeon, using a medial approach for the arthroscopic assisted fixation. There were 5 males and 2 females. The average age at the time of surgery was 34.2 years, (29-52). All of the patients underwent plain radiography and CT scanning in each knee Time from injury to surgery was 7.2 days (4-12 days). Length of follow up was 9 months (6-22 months). There was 2 lateral meniscus tear that treated with partial meniscectomy and 1 MCL injury that treated conservativeely. Surgery was performed in four steps. First step was diagnostic arthroscopy of the injured knee, , second step was reduction of the fracture using a sylindiric tube with fluoroscopic guidance, third step was the arthroscopic verification of the fracture reduction, and finally percutaneous osteosynthesis of the fracture.Care is taken to keep the flow to gravity or, if using a pressure controlled pump, to set the pressure at approximately 40 millimeters of mercury. This will help alleviate the risk of compartment syndrome. Compartment firmness should be continuously monitored throughout the procedure. RESULTS: No complications related to the procedure were observed. All patients reported a relevant reduction in pain, were able to mobilize with full weight bearing in the average 12 weeks (9–15 weeks). No secondary loss of reduction was observed in radiological controls; No revision surgery was required. Functional assessment according to HSS (hospital for special surgery) of the patients were excellent in 5 cases, good in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: Because depressed fragments are elevated from distal cortical windows, the importance of an intact, or easily restored, “cortical envelope” is paramount. In most Schatzker Type II and III fractures, the cortical envelope is either intact or can easily be restored with a clamp. The main advantage of medial approach for these fracture patterns is the creation of a long tunnel for subchondral support, the ease of fracture reduction and saving the lateral vascular supply.