[Change in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures]

The treatment of tibial plateau fractures has experienced a number of very different conceptual developments in recent years, not only with respect to technical innovations but also against the background of changing fracture patterns and the growing requirements of patients.

What developments in recent years have had a significant impact on current treatment strategies for tibial plateau fractures?

Narrative review of publications listed in PubMed on the topic of treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures.

While the two-dimensional classifications are becoming less important, computed tomography (CT)-based three-dimensional assessment of fracture progression and an access strategy based on it are coming to the fore. Direct dorsal approaches have been shown to be superior, particularly in the case of relevant posteromedial and/or posterolateral fracture involvement. The step-by-step approach extension via specific osteotomies of ligamentous attachments also enables a needs-dependent and fracture-dependent complete joint visualization and reduction control. In the treatment of geriatric tibial plateau fractures, primary treatment with endoprostheses is becoming increasingly more important to enable early mobilization under full load bearing with significantly shorter rehabilitation times.

Modern developments in the context of fracture treatment around the tibial plateau have led to a relevant reduction of infections and improved surgical outcomes; however, the high demands and the improved understanding of fractures still underline the great challenge in the treatment of complex fracture patterns.