Medial plateau split fracture
Introduction
Split fractures of the medial tibial plateau are classified by the AO/OTA as 41B1.2 fractures.
These fractures are rare and often occur as a result of high-energy force. They may be associated with knee joint dislocations, meniscal tears, compartment syndrome, ligament ruptures and avulsions, and occasionally serious neurovascular injuries such as tearing of the peroneal nerve and lesions of the popliteal artery.
Fibula head avulsions may also be associated with this injury pattern. More information about treating this fracture type can be found in the Avulsion fracture of the fibular head section of this module.
In the older patient, these fractures may be due to low-energy trauma because the bone is very osteoporotic. Surgical stabilization may therefore be very difficult.
