Abstract
High-energy proximal tibia fractures present significant challenges for orthopaedic surgeons, with well-recognized risks including malreduction and nonunion. Although double plating through two mini-open parallel incisions is an established technique for selected patients, nonuion can still occur. One potential contributing factor is entrapment of the popliteus muscle within the distal spike of the posteromedial plateau fragment. This report uses illustrative cases to demonstrate how to identify, address, and prevent this complication. Strategies for managing delayed cases that progress to nonunion are also discussed
Recommended Citation
Gontijo Giarola, Lucca; Paulo de Tarso Cardoso Gomes; Robinson Esteves dos Santos Pires; Guilherme Moreira Abreu e Silva; Marco Antônio Percope de Andrade; and Túlio Vinícius de Oliveira Campos. "Popliteus Interposition in Metaphyseal Tibial Fractures: The Radiographic Clues That Cannot Be Missed." Western Journal of Orthopaedics 15, 1 (2026). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wjo/vol15/iss1/12