The tibial plateau comprises the medial and lateral condyles of the proximal tibia, providing the tibial articular surface of the knee joint. The medial plateau is concave and bears approximately 60 percent of the knee load; the lateral plateau is convex and bears 40 percent. Both plateaus are deepened by the medial and lateral menisci. The tibial spine (intercondylar eminence) between the plateaus serves as the attachment site for the cruciate ligaments.
| Articulations |
|
|---|---|
| Landmarks |
|
| Ossification | The tibial plateau ossifies from the primary tibial diaphyseal centre with secondary epiphyseal centres at the proximal tibia appearing at birth and fusing in the late teens. |
Tibial plateau fractures from axial loading are classified by the Schatzker system (I through VI) based on fracture pattern and condyle involvement. CT is mandatory for fracture characterisation before surgical planning. The critical issue is articular congruity restoration and fracture stability, step-off greater than 3 mm in the articular surface and widening of the plateau greater than 5 mm require surgical fixation. Bicondylar fractures (Schatzker V and VI) are complex and associated with vascular and soft tissue injuries requiring careful pre-operative planning.
Bend the knee to about 90 degrees with the foot flat. Place your thumbs in the soft hollows on each side of the patellar tendon just below the kneecap, then press backward and slightly down until you feel the sharp front edge of the tibial plateau. The joint line runs just above this edge; follow it around the inner and outer sides of the knee, where tenderness suggests a meniscus injury.
Valgus or axial loading fractures the articular surface, most often laterally; depression of the joint surface often needs elevation and fixation.
A small avulsion from the lateral tibial plateau rim strongly associated with an anterior cruciate ligament tear.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
