Vital to the load-bearing capabilities of the human body is the tibial plateau.  The tibial plateau can fracture when a strong force is directed from the femoral condyles directly onto the tibial plateau, affecting knee alignment, stability and range of motion.  Victims in motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents can suffer tibial plateau fractures.

Tibia Plateau Fracture Types

Based on the fracture pattern and fragment anatomy, the six types of fractures can be classified as:

1. Wedge Fracture – Commonly seen in younger patients, the wedge is not below the normal level (also known as depressed).
2. Split Compression – Commonly seen in elderly patients with osteoporosis, the wedge may be depressed and displaced.
3. Local Compression Fracture of the Lateral Plateau – articular surface depression (part of the bone that comes into contact with the other bone)
4. Medial Plateau Fracture – bone fragmentation that may not be reconstructed
5. Bicondylar Fracture – medial and lateral plateau wedge fractures that may also have peripheral meniscal detachment in half of the cases
6. Complex Bicondylar Fracture – tibia is completely separated from the tibial plateau. One third of these are open fractures and nearly all breaks include significant soft tissue damage.

Complications

Injury to ligaments, peroneal nerve, menisci or the popliteal artery can occur with a tibial plateau fracture.  Other complications can include:

• osteoarthritis
• edema
• loss of motion range
• bone fragments

Surgery is not required for all tibial plateau fractures, however regardless of whether surgery is required, you will be unable to bear weight on the broken leg for approximately 6-12 weeks.  Physical therapy will be required during this time to maintain muscle strength and restore range of motion.

Tibial Plateau fractures can be excruciating, the recovery time can be extensive and it can leave you unable to work.  If you are suffering from another person’s negligence, it is imperative that you seek legal assistance because you may be entitled to seek compensation to pay for those medical bills and recover lost wages.

Our personal injury attorneys at Tarshish Cody PLC are experienced and understand the complex litigation with tibial plateau fracture cases.  We welcome your call today on 612-808-8999 (or fill out the free Case Evaluation Form) to learn more about your case and how we can help you claim that settlement you deserve.

Attorneys Practicing In This Area

Benjamin Tarshish

Kyle Kosieracki

Traci Vercande

Staff Supporting This Area

Julie Rosales