Tibial plateau fracture

It has been suggested that Bumper fracture be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since November 2023.

Tibial plateau fracture
Other names	Fractures of the tibial plateau
A severe tibial plateau fracture with an associated fibular head fracture
Specialty	Orthopedics
Symptoms	Pain, swelling, decreased ability to move the knee[1]
Complications	Injury to the artery or nerve, compartment syndrome[1]
Types	Type I to Type VI[2]
Causes	Trauma (fall, motor vehicle collision)[1]
Risk factors	Osteoporosis, skiing[2]
Diagnostic method	Suspected based on symptoms, confirmed with X-rays and CT scan[1]
Differential diagnosis	Patella fracture, fibular fracture, anterior cruciate ligament injury[2]
Treatment	Surgery, splinting[1][2]
Medication	NSAIDs, opioids[1][2]
Prognosis	Arthritis is common[2]
Frequency	~1% of fractures[2]

A tibial plateau fracture is a break of the upper part of the tibia (shinbone) that involves the knee joint.^[1] This could involve the medial, lateral, central, or bicondylar (medial and lateral).^[3] Symptoms include pain, swelling, and a decreased ability to move the knee.^[1] People are generally unable to walk.^[2] Complication may include injury to the artery or nerve, arthritis, and compartment syndrome.^[1]

The cause is typically trauma such as a fall or motor vehicle collision.^[1] Risk factors include osteoporosis and certain sports such as skiing.^[2] Diagnosis is typically suspected based on symptoms and confirmed with X-rays and a CT scan.^[1] Some fractures may not be seen on plain X-rays.^[2]

Pain may be managed with NSAIDs, opioids, and splinting.^[1][2] In those who are otherwise healthy, treatment is generally by surgery.^[1] Occasionally, if the bones are well aligned and the ligaments of the knee are intact, people may be treated without surgery.^[2]

They represent about 1% of broken bones.^[2] They occur most commonly in middle aged males and older females.^[4] In the 1920s they were called a "fender fracture" due to their association with people being hit by a motor vehicle while walking.^[2]