Tibial Plateau Fracture

Tibial plateau fractures of the proximal tibia are often articular and need surgical reduction (this means: it's necessary to bring the fracture pieces into the correct position). Different classifications exist to define fracture type, most used are Schatzker and AO. Here we will show simple fractures and very complex fractures which often result in bad outcomes.The number of the articular fragments and their reduction after surgery are important for prognosis.

Preoperative planning: the more complex the fracture is, the more accurate must be the preoperative imaging with CT and 3D reconstruction. Planning will decide on the surgical approach: anterolateral, medial, posterior, posteromedial ... with osteotomy of the tibial tubercle or not ... decisions not always easy to take. In complex fractures it is of uttermost importance that the operation is performed by an experienced surgeon in this field: generally you have enough time to contact further specialists. The more complex the fracture is and more incisions are needed the more the patients have to wait until the swelling is gone and surgery is safe, usually after 5 to 7 days;  but can be several more if soft tissue damage is extensive