ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the effect of treating posterolateral tibial plateau fractures via the fibular osteotomy approach.Methods From August 2009 to August 2011,17 patients with posterolateral tibial plateau fractures,including 12 males and 5 females,aged from 24 to 76 years (average,37.8 years),were treated via the fibular osteotomy approach in our hospital.According to the Schatzker classification,8 cases were type Ⅱ,3 cases were type Ⅲ,6 cases were type V.After operation,X-rays were taken in all patients,and Rasmussen's radiological and functional gradings were used to evaluate radiological and functional outcomes of knees.Results All patients obtained follow-up,ranged from 9 to 35 months (average,18months).The healing time of the fracture ranged from 10.0 to 18.0 weeks (average,13.5 weeks).During the period of followed-up,there was no loss of reduction; one case presented with symptoms of common peroneal nerve injury,such as local hypesthesia in distal lateral lower leg and dorsi pedis,which recovered two weeks postoperatively.According to Rasmussen's radiological grading,the mean score of the knee joint was 17.5(range,14.0 to 18.0).The range of motion of the knee joint ranged from -5°to 135°(average,123.5o).According to Rasmussen's functional grading,the mean score of the knee joint was 26.9 (range,22 to 30).Conclusion Treating posterolateral tibial plateau fractures via the fibular osteotomy approach can obtain sufficient exposure,good reduction and fixation,and avoid flexion contracture of the knee and peripheral vascular nerve injury.Moreover,postoperative function and stability of the knee joint recover well.