Tibial plateau fracture
| Tibial plateau fracture | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Fractures of the tibial plateau |
| A severe tibial plateau fracture with an associated fibular head fracture | |
| Specialty | Orthopedics |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, decreased ability to move the knee |
| Complications | Injury to the artery or nerve, compartment syndrome |
| Types | Type I to Type VI |
| Causes | Trauma (fall, motor vehicle collision) |
| Risk factors | Osteoporosis, skiing |
| Diagnostic method | Suspected based on symptoms, confirmed with X-rays and CT scan |
| Differential diagnosis | Patella fracture, fibular fracture, anterior cruciate ligament injury |
| Treatment | Surgery, splinting |
| Medication | NSAIDs, opioids |
| Prognosis | Arthritis is common |
| Frequency | ~1% of fractures |
A tibial plateau fracture is a break of the upper part of the tibia (shinbone) that involves the knee joint. This could involve the medial, lateral, central, or bicondylar (medial and lateral). Symptoms include pain, swelling, and a decreased ability to move the knee. People are generally unable to walk. Complication may include injury to the artery or nerve, arthritis, and compartment syndrome.
The cause is typically trauma such as a fall or motor vehicle collision. Risk factors include osteoporosis and certain sports such as skiing. Diagnosis is typically suspected based on symptoms and confirmed with X-rays and a CT scan. Some fractures may not be seen on plain X-rays.
Pain may be managed with NSAIDs, opioids, and splinting. In those who are otherwise healthy, treatment is generally by surgery. Occasionally, if the bones are well aligned and the ligaments of the knee are intact, people may be treated without surgery.
They represent about 1% of broken bones. They occur most commonly in middle aged males and older females. In the 1920s they were called a "fender fracture" due to their association with people being hit by a motor vehicle while walking.