Arthroscopy- Assisted Surgery for Tibial Plateau Fractures

Like other intra-articular fractures, the tibial plateau fracture is challenging for orthopedic surgeons because of itsseverity of trauma, associated soft tissue injuries. Open reduction incurs serious complications, especially wound healingafter traditional dissections. Unsatisfactory results often occurin complex or bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. Traditionalsurgical methods achieved satisfactory results in 70–80% ofcases. However, these methods have a high incidence of complications including loss of reduction, infection, and septicarthritis. The advantages of arthroscopy-assisted reduction andinternal fixation include direct visualization of intra-articularfracture, accurate fracture reduction, and reduced morbidity. Itis straightforward in the diagnosis and treatment of meniscaland ligamentous injuries, and removal of loose fragments.Good early to medium-term results of arthroscopically assistedosteosynthesis of tibial plateau fractures have been reported. The author reviews the currentsurgical principles, pitfalls, approaches, clinical results, and complications of arthroscopyassisted surgery for tibial plateau fractures.