经腓骨后外侧入路治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折

目的 探讨采用经腓骨截骨的后外侧入路来治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折的临床经验。方法 自2010年6月至2013年7月,采用经腓骨截骨的后外侧入路,后侧或后侧联合外侧支撑钢板固定的方式治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折的患者共11例,男8例,女3例;年龄33~65岁,平均47.8岁。按AO/OTA分型原则进行分型,其中41-B-2.2.4型2例;41-B-3.1.2型9例。结果 术后X线片示所有患者均达到解剖复位。随访时间为12~24个月,平均17.1个月。骨折愈合时间为9~13周,平均11.6周,随访过程中未见高度丢失,Rasmussen放射评分16~18分,平均17.6分。膝关节功能HSS评分为86~100分,平均93.8分。结论 经腓骨截骨的后外侧入路来治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折可以清晰暴露后外侧骨折块,方便进行后侧支撑钢板固定,同时可以暴露外侧平台,尤其适用于后外侧骨折合并外侧平台劈裂的病例。     

经后外侧入路治疗胫骨平台单纯后外侧骨折

胫骨平台后外侧骨折是胫骨平台骨折的一种特殊类型,它是指胫骨平台骨折单纯累及后外侧髁,通常表现为后外侧关节面的塌陷或合并后外侧皮质的劈裂.这种类型的骨折是在膝关节屈曲时由较小的轴向暴力所致[1-2].治疗上采用骨折块后侧的支撑钢板固定最为可靠,但由于骨折块位置偏后外侧,通过经典的手术入路难以直接暴露骨折部位,无法直视下复位和安放支撑钢板.2007年5月至2008年12月我们采用自行设计的膝关节后外侧入路结合后侧支撑钢板内固定的方式治疗了12例胫骨平台单纯后外侧骨折的病例,经随访效果满意.     

前后联合入路治疗累及后外侧平台劈裂C型胫骨平台骨折

目的 探讨前后联合入路治疗累及后外侧平台劈裂C型胫骨平台骨折的手术方法及临床疗效.方法 7例患者术前均经CT扫描及三维重建,均采用后路和前外侧联合入路后侧和前外侧支撑钢板固定.采用DeCoster评定标准评定骨折复位情况、测定胫骨平台内翻角和采用HSS法行膝关节功能评定.结果 术后X线片检查示达到解剖复位5例,复位良好1例,差1例.1例发生膝内翻.7例均获随访,时间6～18(12±6)个月.骨折全部愈合,愈合时间14～16(15±1)周.胫骨平台内翻角术后1年和术后初次摄片无变化;膝关节功能HSS评分为78～90(80±4)分.结论 前后联合入路并后侧入路支撑钢板固定是治疗累及后外侧孤立劈裂C型胫骨平台骨折的有效方法.     

仰卧位内后侧入路手术治疗胫骨平台内后侧劈裂骨折

目的 探讨仰卧位内后侧入路支撑钢板内固定治疗胫骨平台内后侧劈裂骨折的临床疗效.方法 2005年1月至2008年12月采用仰卧位内后侧入路支撑钢板内固定治疗21例胫骨平台内后侧劈裂骨折患者,男14例,女7例;年龄23～61岁,平均43.5岁.骨折类型:单纯内侧劈裂骨折7例,同时合并外侧平台骨折14例.受伤至手术时间为5～12 d,平均7.6 d.结果 17例患者术后获平均16.4个月(12～20个月)随访,4例失访.17例患者骨折均获愈合,X线片示骨折愈合时间平均为14.2周(11～16周),完全负重时间平均为16.4周(13～20周).术后12个月改良美国特种外科医院膝关节评分平均为87.6分(70～95分).无内固定失败患者.结论仰卧位内后侧入路可直接复位和固定内后侧骨块、减少软组织损伤、避免膝内侧皮肤坏死、可在同一体位下处理外侧平台及允许早期活动膝关节,是一种治疗胫骨平台内后侧劈裂骨折的良好手术入路.     

仰卧位内后侧入路手术治疗胫骨平台内后侧劈裂骨折

目的 探讨仰卧位内后侧入路支撑钢板内固定治疗胫骨平台内后侧劈裂骨折的临床疗效.方法 2005年1月至2008年12月采用仰卧位内后侧入路支撑钢板内固定治疗21例胫骨平台内后侧劈裂骨折患者,男14例,女7例;年龄23～61岁,平均43.5岁.骨折类型:单纯内侧劈裂骨折7例,同时合并外侧平台骨折14例.受伤至手术时间为5～12 d,平均7.6 d.结果 17例患者术后获平均16.4个月(12～20个月)随访,4例失访.17例患者骨折均获愈合,X线片示骨折愈合时间平均为14.2周(11～16周),完全负重时间平均为16.4周(13～20周).术后12个月改良美国特种外科医院膝关节评分平均为87.6分(70～95分).无内固定失败患者.结论仰卧位内后侧入路可直接复位和固定内后侧骨块、减少软组织损伤、避免膝内侧皮肤坏死、可在同一体位下处理外侧平台及允许早期活动膝关节,是一种治疗胫骨平台内后侧劈裂骨折的良好手术入路.     

改良后内侧、后外侧入路治疗胫骨平台后髁骨折

目的 探讨改良后内侧、后外侧入路治疗胫骨平台后髁骨折的疗效.方法 对2006年1月至2011年10月收治且获得随访的25例胫骨平台后髁骨折患者资料进行回顾性分析,男17例,女8例;年龄22～76岁,平均46.4岁.骨折按AO/OTA分型:41-B1型4例,41-B2型6例,41-B3型15例;按Luo等提出的三柱分型均为后柱骨折.10例胫骨平台后外侧髁骨折患者采用改良后外侧入路,15例胫骨平台后内侧髁骨折患者采用改良后内侧入路,后方骨折使用支撑钢板固定.末次随访时根据美国特种外科医院(HSS)膝关节评分系统评定膝关节功能恢复情况. 结果 25例患者术后获平均13.2个月(10 ～ 24个月)随访.术后即刻骨折复位质量Rasmussen评分为13～18分,平均16.5分;其中优20例,良4例,可l例,优良率为96.0％.25例患者完全负重下无疼痛感,X线片示骨折均获愈合,愈合时间平均为13.9周(12～18周).末见血管、神经损伤等手术相关并发症发生.末次随访时HSS膝关节评分平均为91分(74～97分),其中优17例,良8例,优良率为100％.膝关节活动度为0～ 125°.结论 对于胫骨平台后髁骨折,改良后内侧、后外侧入路能较好地暴露骨折部位,且允许直视下复位骨折和采用后方支撑钢板固定骨折,对周围软组织损伤较小,术后功能恢复良好.     

外后侧弧形切口双肌间隙入路治疗胫骨后外侧平台塌陷骨折

 目的 探讨外后侧弧形切口双肌间隙入路治疗胫骨后外侧平台塌陷骨折的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析 2009年 8月至 2013年 3月,采用外后侧弧形切口双肌间隙入路治疗 32例伴有后外侧劈裂、塌陷的胫骨平台骨折患者资料,男 15例,女 17例;年龄 28~77岁,平均 46.25岁;均为闭合性骨折,均未合并神经及血管损伤;受伤至内固定手术时间为 3~ 18 d,平均 7.13 d。通过外后侧入路在胫前肌、腘肌和比目鱼肌间隙两个间隙分别显露胫骨前外侧髁及后外侧髁,在直视下复位骨折,分别用“高尔夫”与“T”形锁定钢板固定胫骨前外侧和后外侧骨折。术后按 Rasmussen 评分评价胫骨平台骨折复位情况,按美国特种外科医院（hospital for special surgery, HSS）评分评价膝关节功能。结果 32例患者均获得随访,随访时间 6~36个月,平均 15.3个月。术后 X线片均示骨折复位良好,关节面未见明显塌陷。骨折全部愈合,愈合时间 6~ 14周,平均 11.2周。末次随访时,Rasmussen评分为 6~18分,平均 14.06分,其中优 14例,良 15例,可 3例,优良率为 90.62%（29/32）。HSS评分为 57~92分,平均 78.25分,其中优 11例,良 17例,可 3例,差 1例,优良率为 87.5%（28/32）。无一例发生腓总神经损伤及重要血管、神经损伤、手术区皮肤坏死、感染或内固定松动。结论 胫骨平台后外侧塌陷骨折采用外后侧弧形切口双肌间隙入路治疗,在一个切口内既可显露胫骨前外侧平台骨折又可兼顾后外侧塌陷骨折,无须腓骨小头截骨,创伤小,切口间皮瓣坏死及钢板外露的发生率低,是一个值得推广的入路。     

后内侧联合前外侧入路治疗胫骨外侧平台后外侧劈裂塌陷骨折

目的探讨后内侧联合前外侧入路治疗胫骨外侧平台后外侧劈裂塌陷骨折的疗效。方法回顾性分析2010年8月-2013年8月收治的19例外伤致胫骨外侧平台后外侧劈裂塌陷骨折患者临床资料。男13例,女6例;年龄25~75岁,平均36.9岁。左侧8例,右侧11例。均为闭合性骨折。骨折根据CT三柱分型标准均为波及后侧柱的劈裂塌陷骨折,按Schatzker分型标准均为Ⅱ型,按国际内固定研究协会/美国骨创伤协会(AO/OTA)分型标准均为41-B3.1.2型。受伤至手术时间7~14 d,平均9 d。采用后内侧入路直视下复位骨折并植入同种异体人工骨,桡骨远端T形钢板行支撑内固定;前外侧入路下取微创内固定系统(less invasive stabilization system,LISS)钢板固定劈裂骨折。结果手术时间50~105 min,平均69.0 min。术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无血管、神经损伤及感染等早期并发症发生。患者均获随访,随访时间14~20个月,平均18.2个月。X线片及CT扫描复查均显示胫骨平台高度和关节面恢复良好;骨折均达骨性愈合,愈合时间10~16周,平均12周;无骨折再塌陷及膝内、外翻畸形发生。末次随访时,根据Rasmussen膝关节功能评分标准评定疗效,获优12例,良5例,可2例,优良率89.5%。结论对于胫骨外侧平台后外侧劈裂塌陷骨折,经后内侧入路能较好显露胫骨后外侧、后内侧平台,允许直视下复位骨折并植骨内固定,经前外侧入路植入LISS钢板,手术创伤小、手术时间短且并发症少。     

改良前外侧入路胫骨近端锁定加压钢板固定治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折

目的 探讨改良前外侧入路胫骨近端锁定加压钢板固定治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折的近期临床疗效.方法 2010年6月至2012年3月采用改良前外侧入路胫骨近端锁定加压钢板固定治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折并获得随访的患者19例,男11例,女8例;年龄26～55岁,平均38.3岁.均为新鲜闭合性骨折.车祸伤10例,高处坠落伤7例,跌伤2例.合并胫骨平台前十字韧带止点撕脱骨折2例.受伤至手术时间3～15 d,平均7.5 d.手术均采用膝关节前外侧“S”形皮肤切口,较常规切口偏向后上,用胫骨近端锁定加压钢板固定,术后早期行膝关节功能锻炼.术后复查X线片和CT三维重建,3个月内每月复查X线片,采用Rasmussen膝关节功能评分标准评价膝关节功能.结果 手术时间80～120 min,平均95 rin;术中出血量100～400 ml,平均180 ml.随访时间12～24个月,平均16.2个月.全部获得骨折愈合,愈合时间8～14周.随访期间无内固定松动、断裂、骨不愈合,无膝关节内、外翻畸形和骨折再移位,无膝关节不稳.18例患者达到解剖复位;1例后外侧粉碎骨折脱位患者术后CT提示存在2 mm关节面台阶,患者行走2 km后出现膝关节轻度疼痛,膝关节伸屈0°-105°.1例患者膝关节伸屈5°-90°.Rasmussen膝关节功能评定13～30分,平均(22.9±4.9)分,优10例、良7例、可2例,优良率89.5％.结论 改良前外侧入路胫骨近端锁定加压钢板固定治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折操作简单安全,固定可靠,并发症少.     

经膝外侧腓骨截骨入路治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折

目的探讨经膝外侧腓骨截骨入路治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折的手术方法和临床疗效。方法2011年1月至2013年1月,收治胫骨平台后外侧骨折患者18例,男13例,女5例。年龄23.0-62.0岁,平均40.6岁。按AO分型：B3型8例,C3型10例。CT扫描和三维重建示后外侧平台劈裂塌陷,8例合并腓骨头或上端骨折。B3型骨折采用膝外侧腓骨截骨入路,C3型骨折采用联合入路（外侧＋后内侧入路）,直视下撬拨后外侧塌陷骨块并行植骨及支撑钢板内固定。对于骨折复位情况采用DeCoster评定标准,对于膝关节功能采用HSS膝关节评分标准。结果术后X线片按DeCoster评定标准评定,达到解剖复位12例,良好4例,一般2例;18例患者均获得6.0-24.0个月随访,平均12.2个月。术后3.0个月,复查X线片显示骨折均已愈合,高度未见丢失,HSS评分为84.0-95.0分,平均88.9分。2例腓总神经麻痹,2个月后自行恢复,1例术后伤口感染经清创后愈合。结论外侧腓骨近端截骨入路能充分暴露后外侧平台,直视下对后外侧劈裂骨折进行复位和内固定,值得临床推广应用。     

Treatment of isolated posterior coronal fracture of the lateral tibial plateau through posterolateral approach for direct exposure and buttress plate fixation

Purpose  To present a case series of patients with isolated posterior coronal fractures of lateral tibial plateau treated by direct exposure and buttress plate fixation through posterolateral approach. Methods  Between May 2007 and April of 2008, eight middle aged patients were identified that had isolated posterior coronal fractures of the lateral tibial plateau. All eight patients underwent direct fracture exposure, reduction under visualization, and buttress plate fixation through posterolateral approach. Results  There were 1 case of split, two cases of pure depression and five cases of split-depression fractures. Four were associated fibular head split fractures without common peroneal nerve injuries. Five patients were injured from a simple fall on riding electrical bicycle while the knee was relaxed in 90° position The articular displacement (8 cases) measured in CT scan was 10.5 mm in average (range 8–15 mm). The cortical split length (from the articular rim to the distal tip, 6 cases) was 2.8 cm in average (range 2.4–3.5 cm). The articular reduction was perfect in seven (absolutely no step-off) and imperfect in 1(<2 mm step-off) as measured by X-ray. With a mean follow-up of 10 months (6 cases > 12 months), the average range of motion arc was 119°, four patients have flexion lag 10°–20°. The average SMFA dysfunction score was 15.8, and average HSS score was 98. All eight patients stated they were highly satisfied. Conclusions  Direct posterolateral approach by dividing lateral border of soleus muscle, provides excellent fracture reduction under visualization and internal buttress plate fixation for posterior coronal fracture of the lateral tibial plateau. Good functional results and recovery can be expected.     

The extended posterolateral approach for split depression lateral tibial plateau fractures extending into the posterior column: 2 years follow up results of a prospective study

ObjectiveTo prospectively study the outcome of surgically treated split depression lateral tibial plateau fractures extending into the posterior column using the extended posterolateral approach.MethodsTwenty-one patients with split depression lateral tibial plateau fractures (AO: 41-B3) with extension into the posterior column were treated with open reduction and internal fixation through an extended posterolateral approach with osteotomy of the fibular neck ± Gerdy tubercle. Follow up radiographs was assessed for quality of articular reduction and limb axis. Functional assessment was performed at last follow up using the Tegner–Lysholm score. Complications pertaining to the surgical approach were recorded.ResultsThe approach was performed in 15 patients with a fibular neck osteotomy alone and 6 patients required a Gerdy's tubercle osteotomy also. All fractures and osteotomies had united. Anatomical articular reduction was achieved in 16 patients. Radiological limb alignment was restored in all patients except for a reversed posterior slope in 1 patient. Arthritic changes were seen in 3 patients. The mean Tegner–Lysholm score was 87.3 (range: 76–95) at last follow up. No specific complications related to the surgical approach like common peroneal nerve injury and lateral instability of the knee was encountered.ConclusionThe extended posterolateral approach offers excellent exposure posterior to the fibular head to perform articular reduction and fixation achieving satisfactory radiological and functional results in split depression lateral tibial plateau fractures extending into the posterior column.     

经后外侧入路治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折

目的探讨经后外侧入路治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折的临床疗效。方法手术治疗21例胫骨平台后外侧骨折患者,采用后外侧入路显露胫骨后外髁,对骨折进行支撑钢板内固定,关节面塌陷者采用异体骨或自体髂骨植骨。结果 21例均获随访,时间13~19个月。1例膝关节伸直轻度受限(-5.0°),其余患者无膝关节伸直障碍。膝关节总伸屈度95.0°~135.0°(122.6°±12.8°)。骨折均愈合,愈合时间9~16周。Rasmussen放射学评分:术后即刻13~18(16.2±2.7)分,末次随访时11~18(15.5±3.2)分。后倾角:术后即刻6.0°~9.0°(7.8°±1.5°),末次随访5.5°~10.0°(7.6°±1.8°)。HSS膝关节评分65~98(83.9±8.2)分。结论经后外侧入路治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折尽管暴露范围较局限,但可直视下进行复位固定位置,具有一定优势,是一种比较理想的入路。     

改良前外侧入路治疗胫骨平台后外侧塌陷骨折

目的 :探讨改良前外侧入路治疗胫骨平台后外侧塌陷骨折的疗效。方法 :2011年2月至2013年1月,共收治13例单纯的胫骨平台后外侧塌陷骨折,男8例,女5例;年龄28~59岁,平均49.2岁。随访时检查膝关节功能,摄X线片,评估骨折愈合情况,记录随访过程中出现的并发症。采用Rasmussen放射学评分标准对骨折复位情况进行评估,根据末次随诊结果采用Rasmussen功能评分标准评定膝关节功能。结果:所有患者获随访,时间6~18个月,平均13.7个月;骨折愈合时间11~17周,平均15.1周。随访期间未见复位丢失,1例出现足背麻木,足背伸力及伸趾力减弱;1例出现切口红肿,少量淡黄色渗液,经扩大创口,引流换药后治愈。Rasmussen放射学评分13~18分,平均(16.50±0.67)分;Rasmussen功能评分13~30分,平均(25.20±2.21)分;膝关节活动度0°~135°,平均运动范围(125.3±9.3)°。结论:改良前外侧入路治疗胫骨平台后外侧塌陷骨折,暴露充分,复位及固定满意,不会出现血管神经损伤,术后膝关节稳定性及功能恢复好。     

扩展的前外侧入路治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折

目的:探讨扩展的前外侧入路治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折的方法和临床疗效。方法:2011年1月至2013年12月,采用扩展的前外侧入路治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折15例,男9例,女6例;年龄23~70岁,平均(38.4±7.7)岁。左膝7例,右膝8例。致伤原因:车祸伤6例,高处坠落伤7例,平地跌倒伤2例。受伤至手术时间2~14 d,平均5.6 d。结果:所有患者获随访,时间12~30个月,平均19.7个月。术后行膝关节正侧位X线片和CT扫描示14例解剖复位,1例有3 mm的台阶。骨折愈合时间8~14周,平均9.6周。无伤口并发症、骨不愈合、钢板松动或断裂、膝关节外翻畸形和骨折再移位,无腓总神经和血管损伤。在最终的随访时,膝关节伸直(2.1±2.1)°和屈曲(120.6±18.9)°。膝关节Rasmussen功能总评分25.0±2.8,优10例,良4例,可1例。结论:扩展的前外侧入路可充分显露胫骨平台后外侧骨折块,有利于复位,与传统的前外侧入路相比可更安全有效地偏后放置外侧支撑钢板。     

Reinforcement strategy for lateral rafting plate fixation in posterolateral column fractures of the tibial plateau: The magic screw technique

BackgroundA posterolateral column fracture of the tibial plateau (PLCF) is not uncommon, especially lateral and bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. Currently, there is no consensus on the methods of surgical treatment for PLCF, including the surgical approach or the fixation strategy. Though various posterior approaches have been explored and can allow posterior buttress plate fixation, the necessity of a posterior approach with fixation for PLCFs is increasingly questioned. Meanwhile, there is no literature to analyse the morphological features of PLCFs. None of the available surgical techniques can solve all of the problems of PLCFs.MethodsFrom February 2016 to June 2016, an inconsecutive series of 16 patients who suffered Schatzker type II tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral column were selected based on an analysis of the morphological characteristics of PLCFs. The patients were all treated by lateral rafting plate fixation with magic screw implantation through the extended lateral approach.ResultsAccording to PLCF morphology, 4 patients had mild slope-type depression fractures (MSDF) of the articular surface, and the other 12 patients had block-type splitting fractures (BSF). After a 12-month follow-up period, there were no complications related to the fixation technique and no significant changes in limb alignment. At the final follow-up, the average range of motion (ROM) of the affected knees was 2.3°−125°, and the average HSS score was 94.2.ConclusionsThe selected patients who suffered Schatzker type II fractures involving the posterolateral column could be successfully treated via lateral rafting plate fixation with the magic screw technique. For PLCF treatment, magic screw fixation is a valuable technique that may reduce the utilization of posterior approaches and posterior fixations.     

Anatomical evaluation of the modified posterolateral approach for posterolateral tibial plateau fracture

Objective

The study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a posterolateral reversed L-shaped knee joint incision for treating the posterolateral tibial plateau fracture.

Methods

Knee specimens from eight fresh, frozen adult corpses were dissected bilaterally using a posterolateral reversed L-shaped approach. During the dissection, the exposure range was observed, and important parameters of anatomical structure were measured, including the parameters of common peroneal nerve (CPN) to ameliorate the incision and the distances between bifurcation of main vessels and the tibial articular surface to clear risk awareness.

Results

The posterolateral aspect of the tibial plateau from the proximal tibiofibular joint to the tibial insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament was exposed completely. There was no additional damage to other vital structures and no evidence of fibular osteotomy or posterolateral corner complex injury. The mean length of the exposed CPN was 56.48 mm. The CPN sloped at a mean angle of 14.7° toward the axis of the fibula. It surrounded the neck of the fibula an average of 42.18 mm from the joint line. The mean distance between the opening of the interosseous membrane and the joint line was 48.78 mm. The divergence of the fibular artery from the posterior tibial artery was on average 76.46 mm from articular surface.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that posterolateral reversed L-shaped approach could meet the requirements of anatomical reduction and buttress fixation for posterolateral tibial plateau fracture. Exposure of the CPN can be minimized or even avoided by modifying the skin incision. Care is needed to dissect distally and deep through the approach as vital vascular bifurcations are concentrated in this region. Placement of a posterior buttressing plate carries a high vascular risk when the plate is implanted beneath these vessels.     

后侧入路内固定治疗胫骨平台后侧骨折

目的 探讨后侧入路内固定治疗胫骨平台后侧骨折的近期疗效.方法 对2008年6月至2010年6月采用后侧入路内固定治疗且随访资料完整的11例胫骨平台后侧骨折患者进行回顾性分析.男7例,女4例;年龄33～60岁,平均47.8岁.AO/OTA分型:41-B2.2.4型2例,41-B3.1.2型3例,41-B3.3.2型3例,41-B3.1.2型+41-B3.3.2型2例,41-C3.3型1例.5例后外侧骨折采用膝关节Carlson后外侧入路;3例后内侧骨折采用Carlson后内侧入路;3例累及胫骨平台前、后侧及胫骨髁间嵴骨折者采用Carlson后内和(或)后外入路,辅以前侧入路行钢板螺钉内固定.关节面塌陷者采用自体髂骨植骨.结果 随访3个月至2年,平均1.6年.全部病例均获得影像学上的骨性愈合,愈合时间12～16周.Rasmussen放射学评分15～18分,平均16.7分.骨折愈合后美国特种外科医院(the Hospital for Special Surgery,HSS)膝关节评分75～96分,平均86.2分.后外侧入路5例膝关节活动范围平均0°-135°,后内侧入路3例0°-130°,混合入路3例-10°-125°.结论 胫骨平台骨折表现为以后侧为主时,应选择后外或后内侧手术入路,于直视下进行复位及固定,便于操作,术后近期疗效满意.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the clinical results of operative treatments for the complex posterior tibial plateau fractures via posterior approach. Methods Eleven cases with complex posterior tibial plateau fracture from June 2008 through June 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. There were 7 males and 4females, with age from 33 years to 60 years (average, 47.8 years). According to AO classification, there were 41-B2.2.4 type in 2 cases, 41-B3.1.2 type in 3, 41-B3.3.2 type in 3, 41-B3.1.2 type combined 41-B3.3.2 type in 2, 41-C3.3 type in 1. Carlson posterior lateral approach were used in 5 cases, posterior medial approach were used in 3 cases, and posterior medial and/or lateral approach combined with anterior approach were used in 3 cases. All fractures were fixed with plates. Autogenous ilium grafts were used if necessary.Results All cases were followed up. The average follow-up time was 1.6 years (range, 3-24 months). At the final follow-up visit, bone union was obtained in all cases. The mean Rasmussen score was 16.7 (range, 15-18), and the mean HSS was 86.2 (range, 75-96). The postoperative knee range of motion were 0°-135°, 0°-130° and -10°-125° in 5 cases with posterior lateral plateau fractures, 3 cases with posterior medial plateau fractures and 3 cases with anterior and posterior plateau and intercondylar fractures respectively. There was no vascular and nerve injuries. Loosing or breaking of hardware's was not found. Conclusion The Carlson posterior lateral and/or medial approach is preferred for the complex posterior plateau fractures, with the advantages of direct reduction and stabilization.