Tibial Plateau Fracture
A tibial plateau fracture is a break at the top of the shin bone (tibia), it forms part of the knee joint. This area is important for weight-bearing and knee stability, so injuries here can be serious and need careful management.
Anatomy
The tibial plateau is the upper surface of the tibia, where it meets the femur (thigh bone) to form the knee joint. It has two main parts:
- The medial plateau (inner side), which bears most of the body’s weight
- The lateral plateau (outer side), which is more commonly fractured
Because the tibial plateau is covered with smooth cartilage, fractures can also damage the joint surface, leading to potential long-term issues if not treated properly.
Tibial Plateau Fracture
Symptoms
Common signs of a tibial plateau fracture include:
- Pain and swelling around the knee
- Inability to walk or bear weight
- Bruising and tenderness
- Knee deformity or feeling of instability
- Occasionally, numbness or tingling in the lower leg if swelling affects nearby nerves.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine your knee and order X-rays to identify the fracture. A CT scan is often used to assess the shape and severity of the break in more detail. An MRI may be needed to check for associated ligament or meniscus injuries, which are common with this type of fracture.
Treatment
Treatment depends on how displaced or stable the fracture is:
- Non-displaced fractures (where the bone pieces remain in position) may be treated with rest, a brace, and limited weight-bearing while the bone heals.
- Displaced or unstable fractures require surgery to restore the shape and alignment of the joint.
- Surgery often involves plates, screws, or bone grafts to support the joint surface and promote healing.
Recovery
Healing usually takes about 8–12 weeks, but recovery can take several months depending on the severity of the injury. Patients often need to avoid putting weight on the leg for part of this time. Physiotherapy is important to regain movement, strength, and confidence in walking.
Possible Complications
While most patients recover well, potential complications include:
- Knee stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Ongoing pain or swelling
- Post-traumatic arthritis (wear and tear of the joint surface)
- Infection or wound problems (after surgery)
- Loss of alignment or instability if the fracture doesn’t heal correctly.
When to Seek Help
Seek medical attention urgently if you notice:
- Severe pain, swelling, or deformity
- Inability to move or bear weight on the leg
- Numbness, tingling, or coolness in the foot.
