Treatment of posterior condylar fractures of tibial plateau by posterolateral approach

Objective To investigate the operation effect of the treatment of posterior condylar fractures of tibial plateau by posterolateral approach.Methods From January 2004 to June 2009,17 patients with posterior condylar fractures of tibial plateau were treated by internal fixation operation through the anteromedial and posterolateral approach in our hospital and their postoperative clinical curative effect was evaluated.Results All patients were followed up for 13～21 months,with an average of mean(15.3±2)months.Patients' knee function was evaluated according to the Hohl standard.The results showed excellent in 13 patients,good in 4 patients.The review of X-ray film showed good fracture reduction,no obvious collapse and inversion of articular surface.Conclusion The posteromedial or posterolateral approach can fully expose the posterior tibial condyle,reduce the complications,due to wide range of stripping the soft tissue though anterior approach,obtain good reduction and rigid fixation of fracture block under direct vision,fully prevent force line change and fracture displacement,and is beneficial to patients with good functional recovery of knee joint.