Posterior Approaches to the Tibial Plateau

Modern concepts regarding the fixation of tibial plateau fractures increasingly recognized the importance of reduction and stable fixation of posterior fragments. As such, there have been a multitude of approaches described to access the posterior cortical surface. Due to the proximity of the popliteal neurovascular bundle and common peroneal nerve, all approaches balance dissection of neurovascular structures with achievable surgical exposure, and thus when selecting an approach, the surgeon must assess the risk of the desired exposure with the potential benefit. Although there are many variations in position and incision placement, five anatomical intervals are used for treatment of posterior tibial plateau fractures: