The Hybrid Fixator - Surgical Technique

Preoperative planning

As with the operative approach to any fracture, careful preoperative planning will aid in the surgical technique.

  • Evaluate the need for distraction to aid reduction.
  • Assess articular surface involvement.
  • Plan and determine proper wire and Schanz screw placement.

    Surgical Technique for the Tibial Plateau

    The frame configuration is dictated by the fracture pattern and soft tissue injury. Although the exact frame will vary from patient to patient, basic principles can be followed for all Hybrid Fixator frames and are independent of the fracture location (proximal or distal tibia). This section demonstrates the basic principles in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures. Click here for special considerations for distal tibial fractures.


    1. Reduce the articular surface

    Apply distraction, if required.

    The Universal Large Distracter may be used across the knee joint to provide ligamentotaxis and thus aid fracture reduction.

    As with any intra-articular injury, precise reduction of the joint surface is of critical importance. This may require a limited open reduction and bone graft.

    Screw fixation provides interfragmentary compression after anatomic reduction of the articular surface.

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    The Membrane Domain