Severe or multiple fractures may require external fixation, which uses an outer metal rod and pins to hold the bone or bones in place until they heal. Depending on the degree of displacement, surgical or nonsurgical methods may be used to manipulate the bones back into position. Treatment for a tibial plateau fracture may vary based on the severity of the injury and may include:Ī displaced tibial plateau fracture may require the broken bones to be realigned, prior to casting. During a fasciotomy, incisions are made to release the skin and muscle coverings and reduce swelling. This condition may require an emergency surgical procedure, known as a fasciotomy. Compartment syndrome can affect the blood supply to the muscles and nerves in the leg and foot. ![]() Severe swelling of soft tissue caused by a tibial plateau fracture, may cause a rare and serious condition known as compartment syndrome to develop. Complications of a Tibial Plateau Fracture ![]() Imaging tests allow the physician to identify the exact location of the fracture and determine whether the fracture is considered displaced. ![]() Diagnosis of a Tibial Plateau FractureĪ tibial plateau fracture is diagnosed after a physical examination of the knee and leg as well as imaging tests that may include X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans. If the foot of the injured leg appears pale in color or cool to the touch, it may be a sign that blood circulation is impaired. Pain that worsens when weight is applied.Symptoms of a tibial plateau fracture may include: Fractures of the tibial plateau affect the alignment, stability and movement of the knee. An injury to the tibial plateau is especially distressing on the body, as the majority of standing body weight rests on this bone. A fracture may also cause the bone to break into two or several pieces. Fractures that involve the tibial plateau often occur when an injury pushes the lower end of the thighbone (femur) into the soft bone of the tibial plateau, causing the soft cancellous bone to compress and remain sunken. A tibial plateau fracture is often the result of a fall, or a sports-related or a traumatic injury. You will need to use crutches or a walker to move around.The tibial plateau is the top surface of the tibia, or shin bone, made of cancellous, or cartilage-like bone. Rehabilitation and physical therapy to prevent stiffness and improve range of motion and strength should start as soon as your soft tissues and fracture have healed. When there is extensive soft tissue injury, surgery is postponed until the tissue heals and the fracture is stabilized with an external fixator. Bone grafts and products that stimulate bone growth may be used. It involves making an incision, reducing the fractured bone, and stabilizing it with screws, plates and rods. Surgery is usually recommended in young active individuals and in those with open fractures as an emergency procedure. The elderly and those in whom surgery is not advised for medical reasons are treated with casting, bracing, limiting motion and weight bearing. MRI scans may be ordered to assess injuries to soft tissue such as tendons and ligaments. X-rays or CT scans are ordered to identify the location and severity of the fracture. Any soft tissue injuries are assessed along with nerve function and blood supply. To diagnose a tibial plateau fracture, your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. There may be numbness or a pale appearance of the foot if neurovascular injury is present. ![]() Symptoms of a tibial plateau fracture include pain, swelling, deformity, and inability to bear weight or bend the affected knee. The fracture site may be exposed as a result of bone rupturing through the skin (open fracture) which can lead to infection and delayed healing. There may be accompanying soft tissue injury with damage to nerve and blood vessels. The bone may fracture into one or many parts or compress under the force. Tibial plateau fractures may occur due to high-speed accidents, fall from a height, or low-impact stress or injury in a compromised bone due to cancer, infection or osteoporosis. A force that drives the end of the femur into the soft tibial plateau leads to a tibial plateau fracture and can affect stability, and lead to arthritis and loss of motion. This surface is softer than the region of the tibia below. Flat surfaces called medial and lateral tibial plateaus at the upper end of the tibia articulate with the femur (thigh bone) to form the knee joint. The tibia or shin bone is a long bone in the lower leg.
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