Complex Proximal Tibia Fractures: Workup, Surgical Approaches, and Definitive Treatment Options

Proximal tibia fractures including intra-articular plateau fractures are complex injuries that benefit from an algorithmic approach in terms of treatment to optimize outcomes and minimize complications. Certainly, nonsurgical treatment will be an option for some injuries; however, this chapter will focus on those injuries best addressed with surgicalsurgical treatment. Indications for surgical treatment include joint incongruity, joint instability and limb malalignment. In regard to surgical treatment, important considerations include appropriate management of the soft-tissue envelope, staged provisional reduction and stabilization versus immediate definitive fixation, single versus multiple surgical approaches, unilateral versus bicondylar fixation, and treatment of concomitant fracture-dislocation. This chapter describes surgical approaches to the proximal tibia ranging from the standard anterolateral to complex dual approaches or posterior approaches. Soft-tissue management becomes important due to the high-energy nature of these injuries with trauma both at the time of injury and then the surgical insult. Learning to identify and minimize these risks as well as addressing the soft-tissue defects that may require treatment is highlighted. Implant selection and fixation options for bicondylar plateau fractures will be discussed. Finally, use of nails, especially suprapatellar nails for proximal extra-articular proximal tibia fractures is described.