Optimizing the management of Moore type I postero-medial split fracture dislocations of the tibial head: description of the Lobenhoffer approach.

Abstract

Moore type I tibial plateau fracture-dislocations pose a significant challenge to the treating surgeon. The displaced posteromedial fragment is difficult to reduce and adequately stabilize through traditional approaches. The Lobenhoffer approach provides the necessary access to the posterior surface of the proximal tibia but has only been described in the German-language literature. It involves a less extensive soft tissue dissection than that required by other posterior approaches. We provide the first English-language description of the technique, with 2 cases presented as illustrations of the approach.