An imageology-based feasibility study of plating posterolateral tibial plateau fractures via an anterolateral trans-fibular-head approach.

BACKGROUND: There are many difficulties in the reduction and fixation of the tibial plateau fractures involving posterolateral quadrant using general plates via traditional approaches. By imaging the area above the fibulae capitulum, this study was performed to investigate the feasibility of the trans-fibular-head approach and to design an ideal anatomical plate. METHODS: MRI and CT scans of the knee joint were collected from 205 healthy volunteers (103 males, 102 females). Gender and height were used to divide the volunteers into groups separately: (1) A1 group and A2 group according to gender, (2) B1 group and B2 group according to height. Based on the images, several parameters were defined and measured to describe the space above the head of the fibula. In addition, differences in these parameters between genders and height were compared. RESULTS: The narrowest distance in the bony region was (10.96 ± 1.39) mm, (5.41 ± 0.97 mm) in the bone-ligament region. The narrowest distance of bony region in the A1 group was more than that in the A2 group (11.21 ± 1.62 mm, 10.85 ± 1.47 mm, p = 0.029). The narrowest distance of the bony region was (10.21 ± 1.42) mm and (11.65 ± 1.39) mm in the B1 group and B2 group, respectively (p = 0.002). The narrowest distance of the bone-ligament region was (5.39 ± 0.78) mm and (5.22 ± 1.21) mm in the A1 group and A2 group, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between the A1 group and the A2 group in terms of the narrowest distance of the bone-ligament region. In the B1 group, the narrowest distance of the bone-ligament region (5.18 ± 0.71 mm) was not significantly less than that (5.31 ± 0.91 mm) in the B2 group. CONCLUSION: The space above the fibular capitellum was ample enough to place the plate for treating tibial plateau fractures involving posterolateral quadrant. The divisions of the lateral tibial plateau by 3-dimensional CT and the parameters of each region were crucial for providing guidance for designing the anatomical plate for the trans-fibular-head approach.

Clinical Outcomes of Fixation of Depressed Posterolateral Tibial Plateau Fractures Using a Direct Lateral Approach.

Introduction: Fixation of plateau posterolateral fracture (PLF) is challenging because the fracture site is mostly covered by vital neurovascular structures. We operated on 15 cases of PLF using a direct lateral approach. This study aims to report on clinical results. Material and methods: Between 2017 and 2019, 15 cases of PLFs were fixed with a direct lateral approach and a tricortical autologous bone graft from the iliac crest. A depression of more than 2 mm was indicated for the surgical treatment. Clinical evaluation included Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee Score (IKDC) score, and Tegner activity scale after two years follow-up. Results: The last follow-up was at 24 months after the operation. The mean postoperative Tegner activity scale did not change significantly compared to before the injury (6.5 (6-7) vs. 7 (6-8, p = 0.5)). The postoperative IKDC and Lysholm scores improved significantly compared to before the operation (p < 0.001). The full range of motion was seen in all patients except one who was manipulated after three months. Conclusions: Surgical treatment using a direct lateral approach is a safe procedure for PLFs that results in good, short-term clinical and radiologic outcomes without fibular osteotomy or compromising the important neurovascular structures. Level of evidence: IV.

Pin Leverage Technique: A Simple Percutaneous Technique for Elevation of Posterolateral Tibial Plateau Fractures.

Depressed lateral tibial plateau fractures with a large central or posterior fragment can be seen in isolation or association with complex proximal tibia fractures. Conventionally elevation of the large depressed fragment is done by bone tamp through a medial metaphyseal window in isolated fractures, or the fractured window in associated complex fracture scenarios. Though various instruments have been devised for this purpose, reaching the posterior aspect of lateral condyle through the medial metaphyseal window is not always easy, considering the difficulty in aiming and trajectory. Excessive maneuvering can result in the widening of the medial metaphyseal window, leaves a large metaphyseal void, intraarticular penetration of elevating device, and comminution of the depressed fragment. Described herein is an alternate percutaneous technique for effective reduction of selected lateral tibial plateau depression fractures using Steinmann pin. Twenty- one patients with at least 1-year follow-up with successful outcomes have benefitted from this reduction technical tip thus far.

Biomechanical analysis of "Barrel hoop plate" technique for the posterolateral fragments of tibial plateau fractures with different displacement tendency.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study is to evaluate the three-dimensional biomechanical properties of "Barrel Hoop plate" in two kinds of artificial posterolateral tibial plateau fracture fragment (PLF) by using of synthetic models, each of which has an initial amplifying displacement tendency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six tibiae models were randomly assigned into two groups with different displacement tendencies: posterior displacement (PD) and lateral displacement (LD). Each model was then fixed with three patterns: Anterolateral plate (AP), Posterolateral plate (PP), and "Barrel Hoop plate" (BHP). Displacement in three axes of vertical, sagittal and horizontal axis was captured by Optotrak Certus motion analysis system. Bluehill 2 software was used for load control and data collection. RESULTS: In Model-PD, when the load was over 1000 N, the posterior displacement of Group-PP and Group-BHP were less than Group-AP (P<0.01). The inferior displacement in the vertical axis of Group-PP was larger than both Group-AP and Group-BHP in all the loading set (P<0.01). In Model-LD, both of the lateral displacement in Group-AP and Group-BHP was less than that of Group-PP when the load was over 1000 N (P<0.01). The inferior displacement of Group-AP was less than that of Group-PP in the load of 1500 N (P<0.01). Both of the posterior displacement of Group-AP and Group-BHP was less than that of Group-PP when the loading was 1500 N (P<0.01). The stiffness of Group PP was less than that of Group AP (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that the 2.7 mm "Barrel Hoop plate" had a greater capacity of anti-three-dimension axes displacement of PLF. The 3.5 mm Anterolateral plate had the advantage in anti-lateral displacement and anti-inferior displacement but was weak at anti-posterior displacement of PLF. The 2.7 mm Posterolateral plate was stronger in anti-posterior, however, weak in anti-inferior displacement capacity.

Approaches and fixation of the posterolateral fracture fragment in tibial plateau fractures: a review with an emphasis on rim plating via modified anterolateral approach.

PURPOSE: To review available approaches and fixation methods for posterolateral fracture fragment (PLF) in tibial plateau fracture, and to propose an algorithm to treat various types of plateau fractures which all involve the PLF. METHODS: This article reviews multiple surgical approaches for PLF and suggests an algorithm for suitable approach and fixation method according to PLF with combined plateau fracture. RESULTS: The modified anterolateral approach is a suitable single approach for fractures with a PLF combined with an anterolateral plateau fracture and for isolated posterolateral fracture fragments. For a multicolumn tibia plateau fracture involving the lateral, medial and posterior columns, dual approaches (modified anterolateral and posteromedial approach) can be used to access the entire plateau area. CONCLUSIONS: When considering approaches of this complex fracture pattern, one must consider local soft tissue condition, plateau fracture morphology, associated injuries, and fixation options. After review of multiple approaches described in the literature for PLF fixation, we can suggest an algorithm for the approach and fixation to treat tibial plateau fractures with posterolateral fracture fragments.

The anterolateral supra-fibular-head approach for plating posterolateral tibial plateau fractures: A novel surgical technique.

OBJECTIVE: The posterolateral (PL) tibial plateau quadrant is laterally covered by the fibular head and posteriorly covered by a mass of muscle ligament and important neurovascular structures. There are several limitations in exposing and fixing the PL tibial plateau fractures using a posterior approach. The aim of this study is to present a novel anterolateral supra-fibular-head approach for plating PL tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: Five fresh and ten preserved knee specimens were dissected to measure the following parameters:1) the vertical distance from the apex of the fibular head to the lateral plateau surface, 2) the transverse distance between the PL platform and fibula collateral ligament (FCL), and 3) the tension of the FCL in different knee flexion positions. Clinically, isolated PL quadrant tibial plateau fractures were treated via an anterolateral supra-fibular-head approach and lateral rafting plate fixation. The outcome of the patients was assessed after a short to medium follow-up period. RESULTS: The distance from the apex of the fibular head to the lateral condylar surface was 12.2 ± 1.6 mm on average. With the knee extended and the FCL tensioned, the transverse distance between the PL platform and the FCL was 6.7 ± 1.1 mm. With the knee flexed to 60° and the FCL was in the most relaxed position, the distance increased to 21.1 ± 3.0 mm. Clinically, a series of 7 cases of PL tibial plateau fractures were treated via this anterolateral supra-fibular-head approach. The patient was placed in a lateral decubitus position with the knee flexed to approximately 60 degrees. After the posterior retraction of the FCL, the plate was placed more posteriorly to provide a raft or horizontal belt fixation of the PL tibial plateau fragment. After an average of 14.3 months of follow up, the knee range of motion(ROM) was 121.4° ± 8.8° (range: 105°-135°), the HSS score was 96.7 ± 2.6 (range: 90-100), and the SMFA dysfunction score was 22.4 ± 3.8 (range: 16-28) points. CONCLUSION: The anterolateral supra-fibular-head approach can provide direct visualization of the posterolateral tibial plateau quadrant and put the plate more posteriorly to provide a raft for the fragments such that good clinical outcomes can be anticipated.

Finite element analysis on three internal fixations for posterolateral tibial plateau fracture under different loads / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate the differences in biomechanical properties of 3 internal fixation patterns(the lateral plate and screw group, the rear plate and screw group, and the front and rear lag screw group) for treating posterolateral tibial plateau fracture under different axial loads. Methods Based on CT data of the tibial plateau, the entity model of 1/2 and 1/4 posterolateral tibial plateau fracture with 3 internal fixations were established and meshed to analyze force status of the fracture models with 3 internal fixations under different axial loads. ResultsUnder the axial load of 1 kN, for the 1/2 posterolateral tibial plateau fracture model, the displacements of the fracture fragments in the lateral plate and screw group, the rear plate and screw group, and the front and rear lag screw were 552.082, 67.964, 54.085 μm, respectively, and the stresses on the fixation device were 306.745, 231.844, 73.047 MPa, respectively. For the 1/4 posterolateral tibial plateau fracture model, the displacements in the three groups above were 416.072, 302.107, 150.639 μm, respectively, and the stresses on the fixation device were 306.673, 208.467, 73.607 MPa, respectively. Both the displacements of the fracture fragments and the stresses on the fixation device increased correspondingly under the axial load of 1.5 kN, and the trend of the data was similar to that under the axial load of 1 kN. Conclusions The results from the fracture models with 3 internal fixation patterns show that the front and rear lag screw group has a superior biomechanical stability under two different axial loads, and the similar mechanical properties can be achieved in the rear plate and screw group. Therefore, the front and rear lag screws will be preferred to treat posterolateral tibial plateau fracture with less obvious displacement in clinic.