Open reduction and internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures

Abstract

The patient was identified and the affected site confirmed. Under GA or spinal anesthesia with the patient in the supine position on a radiolucent table, with a bolster under the ipsilateral hip and a proximal thigh tourniquet, the affected lower extremity was shaved, prepped, and draped in the usual sterile fashion. Prophylactic intravenous antibiotics were given. The tourniquet was inflated. A small lateral incision was made over the metaphyseal region of the lateral condyle, and exposure was limited to develop a small, subcondylar, metaphyseal, cortical window. A periosteal elevator was introduced well beneath the depressed articular fragments and the articular fragments and compressed cancellous bone were elevated in one large mass.