J Korean Orthop Assoc.  1997 Oct;32(5):1268-1274.

Treatment of Severely comminuted Tibial condylar Fracture through anterior Approach with Z - tenotomy of the Patella Tendon

• Han DY
• Yang KH
• Shin DE
• Kim HS

Abstract

Severely comminuted tibial condylar fracture is a major threat to the structures and function of the knee joint. Recently, anterior approach with Z-tenotomy of the patellar tendon was introduced for these complicated fractures. It provides wide exposure of the tibial articular surface for maximum joint reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to describe the operative technique and to evaluate the clinical results of this method. We had performed operative treatment in 13 cases (12 patients) of severely comminuted Schatzkers type II, V, and VI tibial condylar fractures through anterior approach from December 1993 to April 1996. Twelve cases out of 13 (92%) showed acceptable results according to Blokkers criteria. There was no superficial or deep infection. On the basis of these results, we suggest that the anterior approach is a valuable aid in the operative treatment of severely comminuted tibial condylar fractures.

Keyword

Tibia; Condyle; Fracture; Anterior Approach

MeSH Terms

Joints
Knee Joint
Patella*
Patellar Ligament*
Tenotomy*
Tibia