JOT - 2026-08-01 - Journal Article; Case Reports; Review
Articular Reduction of a Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fracture Using a Lateral Tibial Osteotomy.
Arnold JC, Druten E, Soni C, Suryavanshi J, Wynn M, Jang Y, Lopas LA
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Key Takeaway
A lateral tibial osteotomy provided direct visualization and anatomic reduction of a depressed lateral articular surface in a single case of bicondylar tibial plateau fracture without an associated cortical split.
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Summary
A 23-year-old woman with a valgus-unstable bicondylar tibial plateau fracture and significant lateral articular depression without a cortical split underwent ORIF using a lateral tibial osteotomy to access and elevate the depressed segment. The osteotomy provided direct articular visualization not achievable through standard approaches in this morphology. Reduction and stable fixation were achieved, though no outcome metrics or radiographic follow-up data are reported.
Key Limitation
A single case with no functional outcome data, complication reporting, or radiographic follow-up makes it impossible to assess the safety, reproducibility, or clinical benefit of this technique.
Original Abstract
Tibial plateau fractures with significant articular depression can present challenges in achieving anatomic reduction, especially without an associated cortical "split" to access the depression. This case involved a 23-year-old woman with a valgus-unstable bicondylar tibial plateau fracture and substantial lateral joint depression. This review describes the use of a lateral tibial osteotomy to directly visualize and elevate a depressed articular surface during open reduction and internal fixation, allowing for restoration of alignment and stable fixation.