Lateral tibial plateau and proximal fibular fracture with lipohemarthrosis

Case contributed by Bálint Botz
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Presented to the ER with right-sided knee pain and swelling after fall from a staircase a day earlier. Continued weight-bearing after the injury.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Female

A depressed fracture of the lateral tibial plateau is visible with an accompanying subcapital fracture of the fibula. The suprapatellar pouch is distended and a fat-fluid level is also present. Marked osteoporosis can also be observed. 

Ultrasound demonstrated a distinct blood-fat level in the distended suprapatellar pouch (the patient was holding the knee in a slightly flexed position, therefore the interface appears to be oblique). 

Case Discussion

Typical presentation of a tibial plateau fracture and consequent FBI sign with a less common additional injury of the proximal fibula.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.