Tibial plateau fractures – review of current concepts in management

Imaging Following Fractures of and Around the Knee

“…Tibial plateau fractures constitute < 2% of all adult fractures. 2 Both high-and low-energy trauma can cause these fractures, with a bimodal age distribution of incidence: high-energy fractures occur in the younger population, and lower energy osteoporotic fractures occur in the elderly. 2 Although a more complex fracture pattern may be expected in higher energy trauma, low-energy injuries may also become complicated with surrounding soft tissue involvement.…”

“…2 Both high-and low-energy trauma can cause these fractures, with a bimodal age distribution of incidence: high-energy fractures occur in the younger population, and lower energy osteoporotic fractures occur in the elderly. 2 Although a more complex fracture pattern may be expected in higher energy trauma, low-energy injuries may also become complicated with surrounding soft tissue involvement. 16 Classifying these injuries is important to guide treatment, foresee the prognosis, and facilitate communication among clinicians.…”

“…Fractures of and around the knee may occur in any patient population either with high-energy trauma in young adults or low-energy trauma in the elderly, partially due to osteoporosis. 1,2 Rarely are sports-related fractures of the knee encountered during athletic participation. 3 The main goals in the assessment and management of any fracture type of the knee are fracture reduction maintaining optimal joint function and avoiding complications such as traumatic arthritis.…”

New Developments in Treatments of Tibial Plateau Fractures

“…There are many reported classification systems for tibial plateau fractures. They are divided into traditional classifications, including Schatzker, AO, Hohl and Moore, and Chertsey, based on simple bi-dimensional radiographs; newly described classifications, including Luo's three column concept and the revised Duparc classification;[ 5 ] and the “Ten segment classification”,[ 6 ] which is based on bi- and tri-dimensional computed tomography. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.…”

“…[ 10 ] Tibial tuberosity and intercondylar eminence fractures are not included in Luo's classification. [ 5 ] Nowadays, complex tibial plateau fractures involve not only bony structures, but also peri- and intra-articular soft-tissue injuries. Total solutions might be the treatment tendency for complex tibial plateau fractures associated with soft-tissue injuries.…”