Tibial Plateau fracture

Question 1

Types of fracture

Answer 1

Tibial plateau fractures are often associated with anterior cruciate ligament, collateral ligaments (MCL and/or LCL), menisci and articular cartilage injuries

5 types

The first three types are mostly the result of low energy injury, the three others of high energy injury

The magnitude of the force determined the degree of fragmentation and the degree of displacement.

Tibial plateau fractures are often associated with anterior cruciate ligament, collateral ligaments (MCL and/or LCL), menisci and articular cartilage injury
The proximal end of the tibia terminates in a broad, flat region called the tibial plateau.The intercondylar eminence runs down the midline of the plateau, seperating the medial and lateral condyles of the tibia. The two condyles form a flat, broad surface for articulation with medial and lateral condyles of the femur

Question 2

Epidemiology /Etiology

Answer 2

Tibial plateau fractures are typically caused by a strong force on the lower leg with the leg in varus or valgus position, or simultaneous vertical stress and flexion of the knee.

Commonly seen in road traffic accidents, sports accidents with a high velocity such as skiing, horse riding and certain water sports.

Due to the nature of injury soft tissue trauma is likely such as ligament rupture and needs to be considered when managin

Question 3

Differential Diagnosis

Answer 3

Tibial plateau fractures are common intra-atricular injury for which CT-scans are routinely used for pre-operative planning to rule out other pathology. Approximately 50% of the knees with closed tibial plateau fractures have injuries of the menisci and cruciate ligaments that usually require surgical repair