Tibial plateau fracture

Case contributed by Derek Smith
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fall from height, with leg twisting as fell. Unable to flex swollen painful knee.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Tibial plateau fracture extending through the tibial crest and involving both medial and lateral compartments.

Marked lipohemarthrosis.

ct

Complex tibial plateau injury involving both compartments, the tibial spine and the posterior corner leading to joint instability.

Lipohemarthrosis.

No fibular, patellar or femoral fracture.

Case Discussion

Extensive bony injury which is more apparent on CT than plain radiography, although the important "don't miss" sign of lipohemarthrosis should raise your suspicion of a significant fracture.

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