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Lateral Distractor Use During Internal Fixation of Tibial Plateau Fractures Has Minimal Risk of Iatrogenic Peroneal Nerve Palsy. Journal of orthopaedic trauma Chen, M. J., Salazar, B. P., Tigchelaar, S. S., Frey, C. S., DeBaun, M. R., Goodnough, L. H., Bellino, M. J., Bishop, J. A., Gardner, M. J. 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of iatrogenic peroneal nerve palsy after application of an intraoperative lateral distractor during open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of tibial plateau fractures (TPF).DESIGN: Retrospective review.SETTING: Single academic Level I trauma center.PATIENTS: One hundred and forty-seven patients met criteria and were included in the study.INTERVENTION: Patients with unicondylar and bicondylar TPFs underwent ORIF and received application of an intraoperative lateral distractor to aid in visualization and reduction of the impacted lateral plateau.MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Incidence of iatrogenic peroneal nerve palsy.RESULTS: There was a 2.0% incidence of iatrogenic peroneal nerve symptoms (three of 147 patients), the majority of which were incomplete sensory deficits. There was no association with staged external fixation, regional anesthesia, or tourniquet use.CONCLUSION: Use of an intraoperative lateral distractor is safe and has a low incidence of iatrogenic peroneal nerve palsy if applied carefully.LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

View details for DOI 10.1097/BOT.0000000000001875

View details for PubMedID 33165211