What is the treatment for a tibial plateau fracture

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.

Is a tibial plateau fracture serious?

In summary, tibial plateau fractures are serious injuries, usually associated with soft-tissue complications. Staged treatment is recommended in severe cases.

Can a tibial plateau fracture heal without 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.

What happens if you walk on a tibial plateau fracture?

You will not be able to bear weight on your leg for weeks after breaking your bone. That means no walking on or pushing off of your broken leg. This is to keep the bones from moving as you heal. Depending on your injury, this will last 6 to 12 weeks.

How long does it take for a tibial plateau fracture to heal without surgery?

A non-displaced fracture of the tibial plateau is when the tibia sustains a break or crack without a fragment of the bone becoming separated. These fractures normally have a better future outcome than displaced fractures and usually, heal without surgical intervention within 3-4 months.

How do you sleep with a tibial plateau fracture?

Invest in a specialized pillow, like a body pillow, for elevation—keeping the broken bone above your heart prevents blood from pooling and causing swelling. Try sleeping on your back first while propped up on a few pillows. If that doesn’t work, slowly adjust yourself to a side position if possible.

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 it take to walk after a tibial plateau fracture?

You will be non weight bearing and required to use elbow crutches for between 8-12 weeks depending on the rate of healing with a progression to partial weight bearing. You should be fully weight bearing after 12 weeks if the fractured has healed adequately.

What does a tibial plateau fracture feel like?

Athletes suffering from tibial plateau fractures usually complain of swelling, pain and an inability to walk or move the leg. A major concern with this injury is having swelling compress the nerves and blood vessels inside the knee joint.

How common is a tibial plateau fracture?

Tibial plateau fractures do not occur frequently. These fractures are typically caused by high energy trauma, but they can also occur due low energy trauma (e.g. slip and fall).

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When should I start weight bearing after a tibial plateau fracture?

Patients with tibial plateau fractures will be instructed to touch down (toe touch or foot flat) weight bear (approximately 10% of body weight) for at least 6 weeks. After the 6 week post op visit, patients may begin weight bearing as tolerated until full weight bearing is achieved.

Why do fractures hurt more at night?

During the night, there is a drop in the stress hormone cortisol which has an anti-inflammatory response. There is less inflammation, less healing, so the damage to bone due to the above conditions accelerates in the night, with pain as the side-effect.

How do I strengthen my knee after tibial plateau fracture?

Exercises might include aggressive gait training (progressively putting more weight on the injured leg) and lower body strengthing exercises like squats, calve raises, bridges, and leg raises.

How do you know a fracture is healing?

When you touch the fractured area, the pain will lessen as the fracture gets more solid. So, one way to tell if the broken bone is healed is for the doctor to examine you – if the bone doesn’t hurt when he touches it, and it’s been about six weeks since you broke it, the bone is most likely healed.

Can you work with a tibial plateau fracture?

Tibial plateau fractures requiring surgery are severe injuries of the lower extremity. Tibial plateau fractures have an impact not only on physically demanding jobs but notably on general professional life too.

What kind of brace is used for a tibial plateau fracture?

Introduction. In the case of a medically infirm patient, the fracture is best managed with protection and immobilization. Prefabricated hinged knee braces or knee immobilizers are typically used when available. A cylinder or a long leg cast is also an option.

How long does pain last after tibial plateau surgery?

Of note, only one patient had undergone knee arthroplasty following plateau fixation related to post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA). Conclusion: Knee pain following tibial plateau fracture stabilizes at one year.

Can you take a splint off to shower?

Tape a sheet of plastic to cover your splint when you take a shower or bath, unless your doctor said you can take it off while bathing. If you can take the splint off when you bathe, pat the area dry after bathing and put the splint back on. If your splint gets a little wet, you can dry it with a hair dryer.

Why does a broken ankle make you tired?

A serious injury leads to more mental and physical exhaustion that one might be prepared for. So if you are tired, don’t feel guilty or confused as to why you are; instead, keep in mind that the fatigue is related to the stress of a new injury. Your body will need time to repair.

How should I elevate my ankle while sleeping?

Healthguidance.org recommends how to sleep with a sprained ankle is by elevating it slightly to drain fluids and prevent unnecessary swelling, so place a pillow or some blankets under the offending ankle while you sleep.

Does itching mean a broken bone is healing?

As the broken toe is healing, it might start to itch. This is due to your body releasing histamines to the area during the inflammatory phase of healing.

Will my ankle be the same after a fracture?

If it’s a low-to-medium grade ligament injury or a stable bone fracture, then it’s highly likely that the ankle will be similar to before. With more severe ligaments and unstable fractures, there is always some difference in flexibility and appearance.