ABSTRACT
Objective To discuss the treatment of tibial plateau posterior column fractures via the posteromedial approach which dissects the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle.Methods From July 2013 to September 2016,7 patients were treated at Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma,The First Affiliated Hospital to Dalian Medical University by surgery via the posteromedial approach dissecting the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle for tibial plateau posterior column fractures.They were 6 men and one woman,aged from 38 to 61 years (49.3 years on average).According to AO/OTA classification,4 cases belonged to type 41-B3.3,one to type 41-B3.1,one to type 41-C3.3 and one to type 41-C3.1.According to the three-column classification,3 cases were categorized into three-column fracture,2 cases into fracture of both medial and posterior columns,and 2 cases into simple posterior column fracture.Of the posterior column fractures,5 had the medial posterior column split and the lateral column collapsed,and 2 had the medial posterior column split.According to Schatzker classification,5 cases were categorized into type Ⅳ,one into type Ⅴ and one into type Ⅵ.Fracture reduction was assessed according to the Rasmussen criteria postoperation.The knee function was assessed at final follow-ups using The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scoring system.The postoperative complications were documented.Results Insertion rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament was found in one case,lateral meniscus injury in 2 cases,and tibial external dislocation combined with bone fragment incarceration into the lateral femoral condyle in one case.All the lesions were repaired.All the incisions were healed at the first stage.No major neurovascular injuries were found.The 7 patients were followed up for 8 to 12 months (mean,11.4 months).Bony union was achieved in all after 12 to 16 weeks (mean,14.3 weeks).The postoperative Rasmussen reduction scores averaged 17.7 points.The average tibial plateau tilt angle was 9.5°postoperatively and 10.8° at final follow-ups;the average tibial plateau varus angle was 86.7° postoperatively and 87.3° at final follow-ups.The HSS knee scores at final follow-ups averaged 91.4 points.No significant reduction loss,implants loosening,infection or malunion was observed at final follow-ups.Conclusion The posterior medial approach which dissects the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle is a safe and practical one for treatment of tibial plateau posterior column fractures,because it can well expose the posterior column of the entire tibial plateau so that is beneficial to the anatomical reduction of the fracture and placement of implants,leading to fine short-term curative effect.