Tibial Plateau Fracture – Treatment and Recovery Process

Tibial plateau fracture is a type of knee injury that occurs due to a break or fracture in the top part of the tibia bone that forms the knee joint. It is a severe injury that requires timely medical intervention and a long recovery process. In this blog, we will discuss the treatment options and recovery process for tibial plateau fracture.

Causes of Tibial Plateau Fracture

Tibial plateau fracture usually occurs due to high impact injuries such as falls, sports injuries, or motor vehicle accidents. The injury can be caused by a direct blow or an indirect force that compresses the knee joint. Elderly people are at a higher risk of getting a tibial plateau fracture due to weaker bones, but it can affect people of all ages.

Symptoms of Tibial Plateau Fracture

The symptoms of tibial plateau fracture may vary depending on the severity of the injury, but common symptoms include:

- Severe pain in the knee joint
- Swelling and bruising around the knee
- Inability to put weight on the affected leg
- Limited range of motion in the knee
- A popping sound at the time of injury

Treatment of Tibial Plateau Fracture

The treatment of tibial plateau fracture depends on the severity of the injury. If the fracture is non-displaced, which means the bones are still in place, the doctor may recommend non-surgical treatment options such as:

- Applying ice to reduce swelling
- Keeping the injured leg elevated
- Pain management with medication
- Using crutches for mobility

However, if the fracture is displaced, which means the bones are not aligned, surgery may be necessary. The surgical options for tibial plateau fracture include:

- Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) – involves realigning the broken bones and fixing them in place using screws and plates.
- External fixation – involves the use of metal pins and an external frame to hold the bones in place while they heal.

Recovery Process for Tibial Plateau Fracture

The recovery process for tibial plateau fracture depends on the severity of the injury and the treatment option used. It may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to heal completely. During the recovery process, it is important to:

- Keep the injured leg elevated to reduce swelling