Upper Shinbone Fractures (Tibial Plateau Fractures): Fixation With a Plate and Screws Animation

Upper Shinbone Fractures (Tibial Plateau Fractures): Fixation With a Plate and Screws Animation

This animation demonstrates the fixation of an upper shinbone fracture, also known as a tibial plateau fracture, using a plate and screws. Here is the front of a left leg. An incision will be made along the shin to access the shinbone.

To begin the surgery, a targeting guide is connected to the top of the metal plate that will be used to stabilize the fracture. The guide contains holes that align perfectly with the screw holes in the plate. The plate is placed onto the shinbone. A guidewire is inserted to secure its position at the top of the bone. At the bottom, a temporary drill guide and drill bit are placed to secure its position.

Next, another drill guide and drill bit are inserted, and a hole is drilled through the plate into the shinbone. The length of the drilled hole is measured, and a screw is selected at that length. It is screwed into the plate and shinbone with a screwdriver. The drill guide is removed. The same steps are repeated for the screws in the middle of the plate.

The longer screws at the top of the plate are inserted following the same steps: drilling and measuring the length of the drilled hole and placing screws through the plate. The temporary drill bit is removed, and the final screw is inserted at the bottom. The targeting guide is disconnected from the plate.

The incision will be closed, and the procedure is complete.