Tibial Plateau Fractures

Tibial plateau fractures can result from direct trauma or indirect compressive forces. These injuries often result in significant soft tissue disruption, ligamentous disturbance in addition to bone fractures. Diagnostic imaging findings in plain radiographs include fat-fluid level in the suprapatellar bursa, malalignment of the femoral condyles and tibial edges, and increased trabecular density in the lateral epicondyle. Patients in whom a tibial plateau fracture is suspected with negative radiographs should have computerized tomography imaging performed. Most patients will require surgical intervention for fracture fixations. Primary long-term complication includes posttraumatic osteoarthritis because of the traumatic stress forces across the joint.