Operative vs nonoperative treatment

Undisplaced fractures with retained stability of the joint do not require surgical treatment. They should be protected in a fracture brace to prevent displacement and closely followed clinically and radiographically.

Fractures involving the medial tibial plateau B3.2 and B3.3 are almost always an exception to this practice, because even if undisplaced, these fractures usually displace. They should be stabilized acutely.