Medial Head of the Gastrocnemius Tenotomy Through a Posteromedial Approach Significantly Improves Surgical Accessibility of the Tibial Plateau

Abstract

Objectives: Compare accessible area of the posterior tibial plateau through a modified posteromedial (PM) approach before and after tenotomy of the medial head gastrocnemius. We report the outcomes of 8 patients who underwent gastrocnemius tenotomy during PM approach.

Methods: A modified PM approach was performed on 10 cadaveric legs, and the surgically accessible area was outlined. Next, a medial head gastrocnemius mid substance tenotomy was completed, and the accessible area was again outlined. Tibia specimens were imaged in a micro-CT scanner to measure accessible surface area and linear distance along the joint line. In addition, 8 patients who underwent tenotomy for tibial plateau fracture had outcomes recorded.

Results: The modified PM approach with tenotomy provided significantly more access to the posterior plateau than without tenotomy. The modified PM approach before tenotomy allowed access to 1774 mm 2 (SD = 274) of the posterior plateau surface and 2350 mm 2 (SD = 421, P < 0.0001) with tenotomy. A linear distance of 38 mm (SD = 7) and 57 mm (SD = 7, P < 0.00001) was achieved before and after tenotomy, respectively. In the clinical series, the average knee arc of motion was 116 degrees (95-135).

Conclusions: The modified PM approach with medial head gastrocnemius tenotomy significantly improves surgical access to the posterior plateau. Patients who received tenotomy have acceptable functional outcomes. This cadaveric study provides an alternative approach for treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures which may mitigate damage to neurovascular structures.