A Tibial Plateau Fracture is a painful condition which can result from traumatic injuries to the shin bone and/or knee. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, our treatment of a tibial plateau fracture aims to:
The knee comprises of the thigh bone (femur), the kneecap (patella) and the shin bone (tibia) joining together. The tibial plateau is found at the top end of the tibia which meets at the knee joint. This area of the both is largely responsible for weight and shock absorption.
The Schatzker classification is used to determine the extent of a tibial plateau fracture. Using a scale from Type I to Type VI, injuries can range from minimal hairline fractures/displacement to extensive separation and depression of bone fragments at different planes (e.g., medial, transverse, etc.)
Fractures and other serious injuries to the knee can result in damage to nearby nerves, blood vessels and other musculoskeletal structures, causing chronic pain or permanent injury.
The cause of a tibial plateau fracture is mostly due to traumatic injuries, such as falling or jumping and landing from a great height. Contributing factors to injury includes:
The force of an injury may even fracture other bones within the knee or legs.
If you have fractured your tibial plateau, it is important to seek out immediate medical treatment. You will likely be referred for CT, X-ray or MRI scans to determine the extent of the injury. Surgical intervention may be recommended as a method of treatment – whether that be the insertion of pins to stabilise the joint, to a complete knee replacement.
Physical therapy is also highly beneficial in rehabilitating the structures around the knee post fracture to increase range of movement and strength. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:
Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use supportive braces or belts.
Are you recovering from a fractured tibial plateau? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment. Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.
