[Objective] To study the complications and clinical results of a traditional vs. modified anterolateral approach for the treatment of Schatzker type Ⅱ tibial plateau fractures.[Methods]From November 2012 to July 2014 in our deparment, 42 cases of Schatzker type Ⅱ tibial plateau fractures were treated surgically through a traditional anterolateral approach (group 1) . While, 41 cases of Schatzker type Ⅱ tibial plateau fractures were treated surgically through an modified anterolateral approach (group 2).[Results] All patients were followed up for an average 23.2 months (12～30). The average surgical time of group 1 was 126 min (90～160min) vs. 117min（80～160min）of group 2. The average blood loss of group 1 was 310ml（200～600ml） vs. 320ml (200～600ml) of group 2.The average time of bone union and full weight bearing of group 1 was 15.2 weeks（11～22）and 16.5 weeks（11～25）vs. 15.1 weeks（11～22）and 16.3weeks（11～25）of group 2. The Hospital for Special Surgery score (HSS) was 88.4 (74~98) and Rasmussen score was 16.8（14～18）in group 1 vs. 90.2 (78~98) and 16.3（14～18）in group 2. 4 cases vs. 3 cases of complications occurred in these two groups. There was no significant differences between the two groups in changes of TPA and PA.[Conclusions] Both approaches obtained few complications and satisfying clinical results. The modified anterolateral approach has advantages in the treatment of Schatzker type Ⅱ tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral aspect.