Arthroscopic assistance for unselected tibial plateau fractures

Nine closed tibial plateau fractures in nine patients were treated with arthroscopic-assisted reduction and percutaneous fixation or buttress plate. These procedures were performed between 1993 and 1994 and represent an exclusive and nonselected, consecutive series. The mean follow-up period from time of operation was 10.6 months (range, 6 months to 1.5 years). The results were satisfactory. All the reductions remained roentgenographically anatomic with good to excellent clinical function. Concomitant knee pathology included three cases of partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament that required special postoperative treatment, and two cases of partial tear of the lateral meniscus that were treated arthroscopically. There were no intraoperative complications. There was one case of postoperative peroneal nerve neuropraxia that resolved spontaneously. Our conclusion is that this technique should be considered as a treatment alternative in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures.