Tibial plateau fracture | |
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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[1] |
Complications | Injury to the artery or nerve, compartment syndrome[1] |
Types | Type I to Type VI[2] |
Causes | Trauma (fall, motor vehicle collision)[1] |
Risk factors | Osteoporosis, skiing[2] |
Diagnostic method | Suspected based on symptoms, confirmed with X-rays and CT scan[1] |
Differential diagnosis | Patella fracture, fibular fracture, anterior cruciate ligament injury[2] |
Treatment | Surgery, splinting[1][2] |
Medication | NSAIDs, opioids[1][2] |
Prognosis | Arthritis is common[2] |
Frequency | ~1% of fractures[2] |
A tibial plateau fracture is a break of the upper part of the tibia (shinbone) that involves the knee joint.[1] This could involve the medial, lateral, central, or bicondylar (medial and lateral).[3] Symptoms include pain, swelling, and a decreased ability to move the knee.[1] People are generally unable to walk.[2] Complication may include injury to the artery or nerve, arthritis, and compartment syndrome.[1]
The cause is typically trauma such as a fall or motor vehicle collision.[1] Risk factors include osteoporosis and certain sports such as skiing.[2] Diagnosis is typically suspected based on symptoms and confirmed with X-rays and a CT scan.[1] Some fractures may not be seen on plain X-rays.[2]
Pain may be managed with NSAIDs, opioids, and splinting.[1][2] In those who are otherwise healthy, treatment is generally by surgery.[1] Occasionally, if the bones are well aligned and the ligaments of the knee are intact, people may be treated without surgery.[2]
They represent about 1% of broken bones.[2] They occur most commonly in middle aged males and older females.[3] In the 1920s they were called a "fender fracture" due to their association with people being hit by a motor vehicle while walking.[2]