Can you walk with a lateral tibial plateau fracture?
Yes you may be able to walk with a tibial plateau fracture, but it is not recommended. The size of the tibial plateau fracture can be hairline or it can be complicated with at multiple broken pieces of bone which have shifted. The worse the fracture the more pain you will have and less weight you can put on the leg.
Does a lateral tibial plateau fracture require surgery?
Tibial Plateau Fracture Care For fractures that have not shifted, surgery may not be needed. The most common non-surgical treatment is a short leg, non-weightbearing cast or a hinged knee brace, combined with physical therapy and rest. Fractures that have shifted require surgery.
How long does a lateral tibial plateau fracture take to heal?
Non-displaced tibial plateau fractures take up to 3-4 months without surgery to heal. When surgery is required these cases take around 4 months to heal.
What attaches to the lateral tibial plateau?
There are 3 attachment sites just distal to the medial and lateral plateau where the muscles of the thigh attach. Medially, the pes anserinus serves as the attachment point for the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus. Laterally, Gerdy tubercle is the insertion point for the iliotibial band.
How serious is a tibial plateau fracture?
In summary, tibial plateau fractures are serious injuries, usually associated with soft-tissue complications. Staged treatment is recommended in severe cases. Minimally-invasive osteosynthesis, when possible, is recommended in partial articular fractures.
How is a lateral tibial plateau fracture treated?
The injury is usually fixed with metal plates and screws placed through a large incision. The type of fracture usually dictates what types of incisions and how many plates and screws are needed. Sometimes bone graft or types of bone cement are needed to support the joint surface.
What is lateral tibial plateau fracture?
A tibial plateau fracture is a break of the larger lower leg bone below the knee that breaks into the knee joint itself. It is rare to only just break the bone. This is an injury that can involve the bone, meniscus, ligaments, muscles, tendons and skin around the knee.
Where is the lateral tibial plateau?
Basic Anatomy The tibial plateau is the flat top portion of your tibia bone, which runs from your knee to your ankle. The bottom end of your thigh bone (femur) and the top end of your tibia form your knee joint. The tibial plateau is a relatively flat surface of bone covered in cartilage.
What is the long term effects of tibial plateau fractures?
Tibial plateau fractures are intra-articular fractures that are thought to be associated with long-term risk for posttraumatic arthritis.
How painful is a tibial plateau fracture?
Neurologic complications The varus force generating medial tibial plateau fractures is sufficient to produce a stretch injury to the peroneal nerve. Patients with tibial plateau fractures are often in significant pain and may be reluctant to enthusiastically participate in a neurologic examination.
How long does it take for a tibial plateau fracture to heal without surgery?
Non-displaced tibial plateau fracture This type of fracture normally has a better outcome than displaced fractures and heals without surgical intervention within 3-4 months. Physical therapy rehabilitation exercises are necessary to maintain leg strength.