Tibial Plateau Fracture

Question 1

Pathophysiology of tibial plateau fractures

Answer 1

Common following high-energy trauma

Impaction of femoral condyle onto tibial plateau

Varus-deforming force - lateral tibial plateau more commonly fractured

Question 2

Clinical features of tibial plateau fracture

Answer 2

History of trauma

Sudden onset knee pain
Unable to weight bear
Swelling of knee

Question 3

Investigations for suspected tibial plateau fracture

Answer 3

X-ray

• fracture
• lipohaemarthrosis - fat and blood in joint space

Question 4

What is the Schatzker classification?

Answer 4

Tibial plateau fracture classification

Type I = lateral split fracture
Type II = lateral split - depressed fracture
Type III = lateral pure depression fracture
Type IV = medial plateau fracture
Type V = bicondylar fracture
Type VI = metaphyseal - diaphyseal disassociation

Question 5

Conservative management of a tibial plateau fracture

Answer 5

Hinged knee brace

Non-weight bearing for 8-12 weeks

Analgesia
Physiotherapy

Question 6

Surgical management of tibial plateau fracture

Answer 6

ORIF

post operative hinged knee brace