Arthroscopic management of tibial plateau fractures.

We report our initial experience with the arthroscopic management of tibial plateau fractures. The known benefits of arthroscopy include better evaluation of the entire joint, limited dissection, and thorough irrigation. 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 previously used only for ligamentous reconstruction. Some tibial plateau fractures can be treated exclusively arthroscopically, obviating the wide surgical exposures that commonly increase morbidity in these cases.