Treatment of Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures: A Modified Patient Positioning for the Combined Anterior and Posterior Approaches

ABSTRACT

We have treated thirteen complex plateau fractures involving both condyles with one of the following conditions with the use of the combined anterior and posterior approaches in a modified supine position. Associated PCL avulsion fracture, displacement of major fracture plane dominantly at the back, large coronal fracture fragment involving medial or lateral condyles. A patient is placed on an operation table in supine position with a bump under the contralateral buttock. The well leg is placed in a lithotomy position and the injured leg is placed over a sterilized Mayo stand separately. For the posterior approach the table was tilt toward the injured side with the hip abducted and rotated externally. With a modified patient's positioning we were able to use combined anterior and posterior approaches simultaneously for the management of certain complex plateau fractures without changing the draping.