A tibial plateau fracture is a break of the upper part of the tibia (shinbone) that involves the knee joint.

[3] In the 1920s they were called a "fender fracture" due to their association with people being hit by a motor vehicle while walking.

High energy fractures are commonly the result of motor vehicle accidents, falls or sports related injuries.

The classically described situation in which this occurs is from a car striking a pedestrian's fixed knee (bumper fracture).

The name of the injury is because it was described as being caused by the impact of a car bumper on the lateral side of the knee while the foot is planted on the ground, although this mechanism is only seen in about 25% of tibial plateau fractures.

Partial or complete ligamentous ruptures occur in 15-45%, meniscal lesions in about 5-37% of all tibial plateau fractures.

Computed tomography scans are not always necessary but are sometimes critical for evaluating degree of fracture and determining a treatment plan that would not be possible with plain radiographs.

[10] Magnetic Resonance images are the diagnostic modality of choice when meniscal, ligamentous and soft tissue injuries are suspected.

Physicians use classification types to assess the degree of injury, treatment plan and predict prognosis.

May be caused by a valgus force combined with axial loading that leads to the lateral femoral condyle being driven into the articular surface of the tibial plateau.

Caused by a valgus force on the knee; it is a low energy injury, typically seen in individuals of the 4th decade or older with osteoporotic changes in bone.

It is usually the result of a high energy injury and involves a varus force with axial loading at the knee.

There is high risk of damage to the popliteal artery and peroneal nerve and therefore carry a worse prognosis.

It is usually the result of a high energy injury with complex varus and valgus forces acting upon the tibial plateau.

Up to 33% of these fractures may be open, often with extensive soft tissue injuries and risk of compartment syndrome.

Generally, simple or incomplete fractures (Schatzker type 1) of the plateau are compressed with 6.5mm partially threaded cancellous screws.

As the tibia condyles articulate with the femur (thigh bone) to form knee joint, any incongruity in the articular surface is unacceptable as it leads to early arthritis.

[15] It's currently debated what role primary total knee arthroplasty (Joint Prosthesis) plays in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures.

[16] Surgery A tibial plateau fracture requires orthopaedic surgical intervention for treatment.

Approximately half of the people who sustain a tibial plateau fracture are aged over 50 years old.