Available follow-up data show that a large percentage of compression fractures of the lateral tibial condyle in which reposition has not been effected lead to invalidism, due to arthrosis. Reduction of these fractures can only be done operatively and its accuracy can only be determined through an open joint. Intra-articular complications—usually lesions of the lateral meniscus—are common, which is a further indication for arthrotomy.
However, fixation of the scattered spongy fragments of the articular surface of the condyle is attended with a special difficulty. The writer describes a simple and conservative operative method, which makes possible reposition as well as retention of the fragments without extensive exposure of the tibial condyle. The operation has been performed successfully in fourteen cases, eight of which have been followed up for more than one year after the injury.