What is a schatzker 4 tibial plateau fracture?

A Schatzker type IV fracture is a medial tibial plateau fracture with a split or depressed compo- nent (Fig 7). The mechanism of injury involves varus force with axial loading at the knee (3,4).

How do you describe a tibial plateau fracture?

What is a 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.

What is a schatzker 6 fracture?

Schatzker type V and VI tibial fractures are complex injuries, usually treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using dual plates or ring fixators. ORIF has the advantage of not requiring pin tract care, but has a higher infection rate, especially in open fractures.

What is a Bicondylar tibial plateau fracture?

Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures are complex injuries that are frequently difficult to treat. Bicondylar plateau fractures involve some portion of both the medial and lateral articular surfaces, with associated disruption of the articular fragments from the metaphysis.

What is a schatzker 3 tibial plateau fracture?

A Schatzker type III fracture is a pure compression fracture of the lateral tibial plateau in which the articular surface of the tibial plateau is depressed and driven into the lateral tibial metaphysis by axial forces.

What is the treatment for a tibial plateau fracture?

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.

What is a depressed tibial plateau fracture?

In a medial tibial plateau fracture, a split or depressed component occurs, which is usually the result of a high energy injury and involves a strong force loading at the knee. Occurring in 10% of all tibial plateau fractures, this type has a high risk of damage to the the popliteal artery and peroneal nerve.

How long is non weight bearing for tibial plateau fracture?

The standard aftercare treatment (according to the AO guideline) for surgically treated trauma patients with fractures of the tibial plateau is non-weight bearing or partial weight bearing for 10–12 weeks.

What does Bicondylar mean?

[ bī-kŏn′də-lər ] n. A joint in which two rounded surfaces of one bone articulate with shallow depressions on another bone.

Why is a tibial plateau fracture so painful?

Tibial plateau fractures injure the joint surface cartilage. The injured knee joint can develop arthritis. The symptoms include pain with use, stiffness, swelling, and inability to tolerate exercise, stairs, or running.

Can you walk on a fractured tibial plateau?

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.

Can you fully recover from a tibial plateau fracture?

We conclude that there is significant impairment of movement and muscle function after fracture of the tibial plateau and that the majority of patients have not fully recovered one year after injury. Loss of movement and reduced muscle function affects recovery after intra-articular fractures.

What happens after tibial plateau fracture?

After tibial plateau fracture surgery you will experience pain, swelling, stiffness and decreased range of movement in your knee. You will also experience a reduction in muscle strength and control in the post operative period.

What is the average recovery time for a tibial plateau fracture?

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.

When does a tibial plateau fracture require surgery?

Tibial Plateau Fracture Surgery is required when the bone breaks into two or more fragments and surgery is normally needed. This fracture involves the proximal (upper) portion of the tibia which extends through the articular surface (into the knee joint).

Do all tibial plateau fractures need surgery?

Most non-displaced fractures of the tibial plateau can be treated without surgery, but they usually require an extended period (up to three months) of protection from walking. If displacement occurs, surgery may be needed to realign the bone fragments and hold them in position.

Can you bend your knee with a tibial plateau fracture?

Symptoms of a Tibial Plateau Fracture

Typically, the injured individual is most aware of a painful inability to put weight on the affected extremity. Tenseness Around the Knee; Limited Bending. The knee may feel and appear tense, owing to bleeding within the joint. This also limits motion (bending) of the joint.

How long does a tibial plateau fracture hurt?

The length of time it takes to recover from a tibial plateau fracture depends on the severity of the fracture and your overall health. Most fractures take 4 months to completely heal. In more severe cases, it can take up to 6 months.