Partial articular fracture, split
Introduction
Partial articular fractures with a condylar split are classified by the AO/OTA as 41B1 fractures. The prognosis depends on whether the fracture involves the lateral or the medial articular surface. It is generally poorer for medial fractures.
In the older patient, these fractures may be due to low velocity trauma because the bone is very osteoporotic. Surgical stabilization may therefore be very difficult
In the older patient, these fractures may be due to low velocity trauma because the bone is very osteoporotic. Surgical stabilization may therefore be very difficult
Split of the lateral surface
Split fractures of the lateral tibial plateau are classified by the AO/OTA as 41B1.1 fractures.
The prognosis depends on whether the fracture involves the lateral or the medial articular surface. It is generally poorer for medial fractures. In the older patient, these fractures may be due to low velocity trauma because the bone is very osteoporotic. Surgical stabilization may therefore be very difficult.
Split fractures of the medial tibial plateau are classified by the AO/OTA as 41B1.2 fractures.
The medial plateau fractures are rare and often occur as a result of high-energy force. They may be associated with knee joint dislocations, meniscal tearas, compartment syndrome, ligament ruptures and avulsions, and occasionally serious neurovascular injuries such as tearing of the peroneal nerve and lesions of the popliteal artery.
The prognosis depends on whether the fracture involves the lateral or the medial articular surface. It is generally poorer for medial fractures. In the older patient, these fractures may be due to low velocity trauma because the bone is very osteoporotic. Surgical stabilization may therefore be very difficult.
Oblique split fractures involving the tibial spines and one of the tibial plateaus are classified by the AO/OTA as 41B1.3 fractures.
The prognosis depends on whether the fracture involves the lateral or the medial articular surface. It is generally poorer for medial fractures. In the older patient, these fractures may be due to low velocity trauma because the bone is very osteoporotic. Surgical stabilization may therefore be very difficult.
