Displaced Tibial Plateau Fracture

A displaced tibial plateau fracture is a serious injury affecting the knee joint. If it is not treated properly, it can lead to long-term complications.

If you’re dealing with a tibial plateau fracture, reach out to Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, in Austin or Georgetown, Texas. As a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, he specializes in advanced treatments to restore knee function and mobility. Contact his office today to discuss your treatment options!

Topic at a Glance

A tibial plateau fracture is a break in the upper part of the tibia (shin bone) that affects the knee joint.
These fractures are commonly caused by falls, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, osteoporosis, or other conditions that weaken the bone.
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and may include bracing, limiting weight-bearing, physical therapy, or surgery to restore joint alignment.
Recovery often takes several months and involves rehabilitation to improve strength, mobility, and overall knee function.

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What Patients Are Saying

“Dr. Szerlip was very personable, knowledgeable, and took time for all my questions. He gave great explanations of my problem and potential solutions. I have full confidence in his recommendations for treatment and therapy.” — Pam G.

What is a Tibial Plateau Fracture?

The tibial plateau is the upper part of the shin bone (tibia) that helps form the knee joint. It supports the body’s weight and provides stability during movement. A plateau fracture occurs when this area breaks. The injury can also damage the articular surface of the tibia, which is essential for smooth knee function.

Tibial plateau fractures vary in severity, with some requiring minimal intervention and others needing surgical treatment to restore proper function. Early diagnosis and appropriate care are crucial to prevent long-term complications.

Complications can include compartment syndrome or post-traumatic arthritis. Compartment syndrome is a medical emergency that involves a buildup of pressure in the bone and prevents blood circulation. Post-traumatic arthritis may need a knee replacement to restore function.

Types of Tibial Plateau Fractures

The Schatzker classification is a widely used system for categorizing tibial plateau fractures. It is based on their severity and fracture pattern. This system helps guide treatment decisions and predict potential complications. The classification consists of the following 6 types:

Type I – Lateral Split Fracture

A lateral split fracture has the following characteristics:

The lateral tibial plateau fracture is wedge-shaped.
It is common in younger patients with strong bones.
It is often treated non-surgically unless it’s displaced.

Type II – Lateral Split-Depression Fracture

A lateral split-depression fracture has the following features:

This is a displaced fracture with a depression in the articular surface.
It is more common in older patients due to their weaker bone structure.
This type of fracture typically requires surgical treatment to restore proper alignment of the joint surface.

Type III – Pure Depression Fracture

The following characteristics define a pure depression fracture:

The articular surface is compressed without a clear fracture line.
It usually results from axial loading, such as falling directly on the knee.
Internal fixation or bone grafting may be necessary if the depression is severe.

Type IV – Medial Plateau Fracture

A medial plateau fracture can be identified by the following:

The fracture occurs in the medial tibial plateau, often extending into the intercondylar eminence (the tibial spines).
The injury often causes soft tissue injuries, as some ligaments attach to the tibial spines
It can lead to improper limb alignment if not treated properly.
This type of injury requires internal fixation due to instability

Type V – Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fractures

Bicondylar tibial fractures are as follows:

These fractures affect both the medial and lateral tibial plateau.
They are associated with high-energy trauma, such as car accidents.
Surgical treatment is usually required, using plates, screws, or external fixation to hold the fracture in place.

Type VI – Complex Fracture with Metaphyseal Extension

This type of fracture has the following characteristics:

It is a severe fracture extending into the shinbone (tibial diaphysis).
It is often accompanied by ligament injuries and severe instability.
It often involves multiple surgical procedures to repair.

Understanding the Schatzker classification guides orthopedic surgeons like Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip to determine the best treatment approach for each patient. Whether you have a non-displaced tibial plateau fracture or a complex displaced tibial plateau fracture, expert care is essential for a full recovery.

What Causes a Tibial Plateau Fracture?

A tibial plateau fracture can be caused by the following:

High-energy injuries: Car accidents, falls from height, or sports injuries can lead to severe fractures.
Compromised bone: Cancer or infections can weaken the bone, making it more susceptible to a fracture.
Stress fractures: Excessive exercise can cause small fractures in the bone, making larger fractures more likely to occur.
Osteoporosis: Weak bones increase the risk of fractures, even from minor falls.

How Do You Treat a Tibial Plateau Fracture?

Treatment for a tibial plateau fracture depends on the type of fracture and the patient’s needs.

Non-Surgical Treatment

For non-displaced tibial plateau fractures, the primary approach includes:

Using a knee immobilizer such as a hinged knee brace to stabilize the joint.
Limited weight-bearing with crutches to allow healing.
Physical therapy rehabilitation exercises to maintain mobility and prevent stiffness.

Surgical Treatment for Displaced Tibial Plateau Fractures

A displaced tibial plateau fracture often requires surgery to restore the joint surface and hold bone fragments in their proper position. Internal fixation is a common procedure that involves using plates and screws to stabilize the tibia. An external fixator is another method to hold the broken bone pieces in place. A hinged knee brace combined with physical therapy helps protect the knee during recovery.

Dr. Szerlip specializes in advanced surgical treatment for complex knee fractures, ensuring optimal healing and restoring knee function.

Recovery After a Tibial Plateau Fracture

The recovery process varies based on the severity of the fracture and the treatment method. Key aspects of recovery include:

Immobilization: A hinged knee brace supports the knee and allows controlled movement during physical therapy.
Gradual weight-bearing: Patients typically begin putting weight on the leg after 3 months, depending on the healing progress.
Physical therapy: Exercises help rebuild strength, improve mobility, and prevent stiffness.

Dr. Szerlip provides personalized recovery plans to help patients regain full knee function. His expertise in knee injuries ensures the best possible outcome for every patient.

Get Expert Care for Your Tibial Plateau Fracture

If you’re dealing with a displaced tibial plateau fracture or any other knee injury, expert care is essential for a full recovery. Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, offers cutting-edge treatments to restore knee health and function in Austin and Georgetown, TX. Schedule a consultation today to discuss the best approach for your recovery!

What is a displaced tibial plateau fracture?

A displaced tibial plateau fracture occurs when the upper portion of the tibia (shin bone) breaks, and the bone fragments move out of their normal position. Because the fracture affects the knee joint surface, it often requires surgical treatment to restore proper alignment and stability.

What causes a tibial plateau fracture?

Tibial plateau fractures are commonly caused by high-energy injuries such as car accidents, falls from a height, and sports-related trauma. They can also occur in people with weakened bones due to osteoporosis, infections, cancer, or stress fractures.

Do all tibial plateau fractures require surgery?

No. Non-displaced tibial plateau fractures can often be treated with a knee brace, limiting weight-bearing, and physical therapy. However, displaced fractures typically require surgery to restore the joint surface and stabilize the bone.

How long does it take to recover from a tibial plateau fracture?

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the fracture and the treatment used. Many patients require several months of healing, with gradual weight-bearing and physical therapy playing important roles in regaining strength and mobility.

What happens if a tibial plateau fracture is left untreated?

Without proper treatment, a tibial plateau fracture can lead to complications such as joint instability, improper limb alignment, post-traumatic arthritis, chronic pain, and reduced knee function. Early diagnosis and treatment help improve long-term outcomes.

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