ARTHROSCOPIC MANAGEMENT OF TIBIAL PLATEAU FRACTURES

We report our initial experience with the arthroscopic management of t ibial plateau fractures. The known benefits of arthroscopy include bet ter evaluation of the entire joint, limited dissection, and thorough i rrigation. We have maximized the potential of arthroscopy through the use of additional instrumentation. With this technique, arthroscopy is used as an operative tool, with the addition of instruments previousl y used only for ligamentous reconstruction. Some tibial plateau fractu res can be treated exclusively arthroscopically, obviating the wide su rgical exposures that commonly increase morbidity in these cases.