Tibial Plateau Fractures: Basic Anatomy, Mechanism, Treatment, and Complications
Tibial Plateau Fractures: Basic Anatomy, Mechanism, Treatment, and Complications
Learn about tibial plateau fractures, including their basic anatomy, mechanism, treatment options, and potential complications:
Basic Anatomy
The tibial plateau is the flat top portion of your tibia bone, which runs from your knee to your ankle. The bottom end of your thigh bone (femur) and the top end of your tibia form your knee joint. There are two menisci, or shock absorbers made of cartilage, that sit between your tibia and the femur. These are commonly injured in sports activities.
Mechanism and Epidemiology
Tibial plateau fracture occurs as a result of high-energy injuries such as falls or motor vehicle accidents. A tibial plateau fracture is an injury in which you break your bone and injure the cartilage that covers the top end of your tibia (bottom part of your knee).
Initial Treatment
If you break your tibial plateau, you will most likely not be able to walk on it. Depending on the severity of the break, you may be able to go home or you may be admitted to the hospital. Often, you will be put into a brace or a splint. You may also be admitted to the hospital to make sure you don’t have too much swelling after your break.
General Treatment
Depending on where the break is and how well it is lined up, tibial plateau fractures may be treated with or without surgery. If your fracture can be treated without surgery, you may be kept in a brace or a splint for a period of time. If your bone is broken in many places or it is not lined up correctly, you may require surgery. You will not be able to bear weight on your leg for weeks after breaking your bone. That means no walking on or pushing off of your broken leg. You may need to use crutches, a walker, and/or a wheelchair.
Post-operative Care
You will not be able to bear weight on your leg for weeks after breaking your bone. That means no walking on or pushing off of your broken leg. This is to keep the bones from moving as you heal. You may need to use crutches, a walker and/or a wheelchair. A knee immobilizer or hinged knee brace may be used to provide support for your leg. Physical therapy may be prescribed to help with motion and strength.
MCQ 1
What is a tibial plateau fracture?
MCQ 2
What is the most common cause of tibial plateau fractures?
MCQ 3
What is the immediate treatment for tibial plateau fractures?
MCQ 4
How long will you not be able to bear weight on your leg after breaking your tibial plateau?
MCQ 5
What is a potential long-term complication of tibial plateau fractures?
