Fracture: Knee

Question 1

typical moi of tibial plateau #?

Answer 1

high energy impact
valgus load -> lateral plateau
varus load -> medial plateau
axial load -> bicondylar

if low energy, usually lateral plateau

Question 2

dx of tibial plateau #?

Answer 2

plain x-ray

Question 3

mx of tibial plateau #?

Answer 3

conservative: immobilisation in hinged knee brace for 8-12 weeks

if displaced or open -> ORIF in acute setting or delayed fixation after soft tissue swelling subsides

Question 4

which plateau is more commonly affected?

Answer 4

lateral - 70-80% of the time

Question 5

what are the 4 compartments of the lower leg?

Answer 5

anterior, lateral, posterior (superficial and deep)