What is a Tibial Plateau Fracture?
A tibial plateau fracture is a break at the top of the shinbone (tibia), where it meets the knee joint. This area is critical for supporting body weight and allowing smooth movement of the knee. When the tibial plateau is fractured, it can damage the cartilage surface of the knee and affect stability, motion, and alignment. These fractures can range from mild to severe and often require careful treatment to restore full function of the knee.
Causes of Tibial Plateau Fracture
Tibial plateau fractures are typically caused by high-energy trauma, such as car accidents, falls from significant heights, or sports injuries. In older adults with weaker bones, even a minor fall can cause this type of fracture. Severe twisting injuries during activities like skiing can also lead to a break in the tibial plateau.
Symptoms of Tibial Plateau Fracture
Common symptoms of tibial plateau fractures include:
- Pain in the knee or upper shin
- Swelling around the knee
- Difficulty bearing weight on the injured leg
- Bruising or deformity around the knee
- Limited range of motion or inability to straighten the leg
If nerve or blood vessels are affected, numbness, tingling, or pale skin below the injury may also occur.
Treatment for Tibial Plateau Fracture
Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture. Minor fractures may be treated with immobilization using a brace or cast, along with physical therapy to restore strength and mobility. More severe fractures often require surgery to realign the bones, stabilize the joint with plates or screws, and protect the cartilage. The best way to prevent long-term complications like arthritis or chronic knee instability is early diagnosis and proper treatment.
FAQs
Recovery usually takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the severity of the fracture and whether surgery was needed. Full return to sports or high-impact activities can take longer.
Walking on an untreated fracture can cause the bone to shift, worsen the injury, and increase the risk of long-term knee instability or arthritis.
For stable fractures that don’t require surgery, healing typically takes around 8 to 12 weeks. Careful monitoring and physical therapy are recommended to ensure proper recovery.
Tibial plateau fractures are usually very painful, especially when trying to put weight on the leg. Swelling, stiffness, and bruising can add to the discomfort.
Knee movement is often limited at first, but gentle bending exercises are usually introduced during recovery under a doctor’s guidance. Full range of motion may take several months to regain.
Possible complications include arthritis, knee stiffness, chronic pain, infection (if surgery is performed), and blood vessel or nerve damage around the injury.
