Percutaneous reduction and stabilization of complex tibial plateau fractures

Mechanical traction and percutaneous reduction by leverage and fixation by a bilateral groove external fixator were performed on 23 patients with complex tibial plateau fractures involving a depressed and split fragments. The fixator is composed of two long groove frames, three to five nuts, hooked bolts and Steinmanns pins. All fractures united in good position in three months with no incision (only pinpricks), little operative trauma and no significant complications but pintract infection, and the flexion-extension range of knee movement was excellent in all patients, so that this technique is particularly advisable for complex tibial plateau fractures.