Open reduction of central compression fractures of the tibial plateau. Preliminary report of a new method and device arrangement.

A new method of reduction and fixation of a uniformly depressed fracture of the tibial condyle is described. A curved steel probe, introduced through a cortical window in the uninjured condyle, is used to reduce the fracture fragments as well as to compact the fracture region (TV-monitored x-ray projectioning is desired). The instruments needed for the operative procedure are as follows: a probe for reduction and compaction, a tube and a plunger for deposition of bone transplants, and a forked plate. Five cases in which the curved probe reduction method has been used are reported.