Tibial Plateau Fracture

The tibial plateau is the flat upper surface of the tibia that articulates with the femur and bears body weight across the knee joint. Fractures here occur from axial load combined with valgus or varus force — classically a pedestrian struck by a car bumper ("bumper fracture"), a fall from height, or a sports collision. The Schatzker classification (types I–VI) describes fracture patterns from simple lateral split to severe bicondylar crush.

Associated injuries — meniscal tears, ligament disruptions, and compartment syndrome — are common and must be systematically evaluated.

Knee swelling (hemarthrosis), inability to bear weight, and tenderness over the proximal tibia. CT scan with 3D reconstruction is mandatory for surgical planning. MRI evaluates the menisci and ligaments. Vascular examination of the limb is critical — popliteal artery injury must be excluded.

Significant articular depression, condylar widening, combined ligamentous instability, or osteomyelitis and septic…">open fractures require surgical intervention.

External patient-education references and related OSI pages for additional background:

• Britannica — Bone disease (fractures)
• Britannica — Knee (anatomy)
• AAOS OrthoInfo — patient education library
• OSI glossary — orthopedic terminology in plain language