Reconstruction of the tibial plateau fracture with arthroscopic monitoring without arthrotomy

: In the period from October 1986 to November 1988 in the Medisch Spectrum Twente of Enschede, 25 patients were treated for a tibial plateau fracture by means of arthroscopic surgery. The mean hospital stay was 18 days. Active movement of the leg was prescribed from the fifth day. The results were very good in 23 and poor in 2 patients. Complications such as wound infections and skin necrosis were not seen. Additional meniscal lesions could be diagnosed and treated better using this surgical technique. In addition, the limited incisions and consequently the avoidance of extensive arthrotomy allowed faster rehabilitation and a higher probability of healing the chondral tissue.