SURGICAL TECHNIQUE FOR LATERAL EXTRA-ARTICULAR PARAPATELLAR APPROACH FOR TIBIA NAILING: A TECHNICAL NOTE

E. Ghezzi¹, M. Alessio-Mazzola² , G. Placella¹ , S. Mosca¹ , V. Salini¹

¹ Vita-Salute University, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
² IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy

Correspondence to:

Journal of Orthopedics 2022 Sep-Dec; 14(3): 127-132
https://doi.org/10.69149/orthopedics/2022v14iss3_7

Received: 25 September 2022 Accepted: 15 November 2022

Download PDF

Abstract

The extra-articular lateral parapatellar approach is a surgical technique for tibia nailing, especially useful for the semi-extended knee position, leading to excellent control of the tip apex deformity of proximal shaft fractures. This approach employs a lateral incision near the patella to reach the antero-superior tibial angle, preserving the synovial layer and the intra-articular structures. Studies have shown that the extra-articular lateral parapatellar approach offers a superior knee function and minimizes anterior knee pain. Additionally, this approach correlates with a lower rate of painful hemarthrosis during the hospital stay, significantly enhancing patient comfort and recovery quality. The goal of this technical note is to describe in detail the extra-articular parapatellar surgical approach.