Design and clinical application of the superior of fibular head approach / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To design an approach above the fibular head for treating posterolateral tibial plateau fracture,and to investigate its feasibility,advantages and disadvantages in clinical application.Methods Ten frozen adult cadaveric knees were dissected to observe the correlation of the important lateral structures and effect of knee flexion on tensity of the lateral collateral ligament.The distance (OA) from superior border of facies articularis capitis fibulae to lateral edge of articular surface of tibial plateau and the distance (OB) from the cross point of lateral collateral ligament and facies articularis capitis fibulae level to lateral edge of articular surface of tibial plateau were measured.According to the anatomic measurement results,the approach above the fibular head was designed.Then 12 patients with posterolateral tibial plateau fracture were treated through this approach,and the short-term clinical results were evaluated.Results The value of OA ranged from 9.43 to 14.92 mm (average,12.97±1.83 mm).At 0° of genuflex,the lateral collateral ligament was tense and the average value of OB was 4.87±0.33 mm.During the course of genuflex,the lateral collateral ligament got loose following which the value of OB became larger.At 60° of genuflex,the lateral collateral ligament was most loose,and the posterolateral tibial plateau could be exposed completely by drawing posterolaterally lateral collateral ligament and rotating medially tibia.All patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months (average,18 months).The average bone healing time was 10.2 weeks (8 to 12 weeks).According to Rasmussen's knee functional score system,the results were excellent in 10 cases and good in 2 cases.No complications occurred,such as numbness of limbs,instability of the knee and internal fixation loosening.Conclusion The approach above the fibular head is feasible,simple and safe for treating posterolateral tibial plateau fracture.