Retropatellar nailing and condylar bolts for complex fractures of the tibial plateau: technique, pilot study and rationale

In a previous study, condylar compression bolts and intramedullary nailing with the use of a traditional transpatellar tendon approach were employed for the management of non-impacted complex fractures of the tibia plateau. However, there were intra-operative difficulties, related to the surgical approach that could jeopardise fracture reduction and contribute to sub-optimal outcomes. The purpose of this study is to introduce the retropatellar approach for the management of complex tibial plateau fractures with intramedullary nailing and condylar compression bolts that avoid the pitfalls created by the traditional transpatellar approach.