• OBJECTIVES
    • The midline lateral parapatellar (LP) approach has been shown in a cadaveric study to provide superior articular exposure compared to the anterolateral approach (AL). The purpose of this study was to report on outcomes and complications with the LP approach.
  • METHODS
    • Design: Retrospective comparative cohort study and prospective cohort.
  • SETTING
    • Academic Level-I trauma center.
  • PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA
    • Adult patients with minimum 3 months follow up who underwent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of an acute, isolated lateral tibial plateau fracture (OTA/AO 41-B1, 41-B2, 41-B3) via a LP arthrotomy or AL submeniscal arthrotomy between 2010-2019.Outcome Measures and Comparisons: Retrospective cohort evaluated using postoperative complications including infection, delayed wound healing, and reoperation rate. Prospective cohort evaluated using Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), knee range of motion (ROM), and complications.
  • RESULTS
    • The mean age for the LP cohort was 41.5 years (19-79) and 18/32 (56.3%) were male. The mean age for the AL cohort was 42.8 years (18-71) and 29/49 (59.2%) were male. The mean age for patients in the prospective study was 31.4 years (19-59) and 9/14 (64.3%) were male. Mean follow-up was 9.3 months and 20.3 months for the retrospective and prospective cohorts respectively. There was no significant difference in complication or reoperation rate (p>0.39). For the prospective cohort mean ROM was 130 degrees. Mean SMFA dysfunction index (DI) was 9.0 and mean bother index (BI) was 11.1.
  • CONCLUSIONS
    • The lateral parapatellar approach resulted in comparable clinical and functional outcomes to those seen historically with the anterolateral approach. It is a safe alternative and may be of most benefit when treating comminuted lateral tibial plateau fractures.
  • LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
    • Level III.