How Do You Treat a Tibial Plateau Fracture?
Emergency Care
In some instances, the swelling can be so severe that the blood supply to the leg and foot is drastically reduced. This is referred to as compartment syndrome.
Emergency surgery may be needed to allow proper blood flow to resume. The orthopedic surgeon will make vertical incisions in the skin and muscle coverings, and these will be left open until the swelling is reduced.
In this case, the condition of the soft tissues would not allow for a splint to be used to secure the knee. Instead, an external fixator may be used.
External fixation involves stabilizing the knee by inserting pins below and above the joint.
Non-surgical Treatment
The most common non-surgical treatment is a short leg, non-weight bearing cast, or a hinged knee brace with rest. This will be followed by physical therapy as the injury allows.
Surgical Treatment
You may require surgery if there is a need to recover and maintain alignment. Internal fixation with rods and plates may be used to stabilize a fracture.
If the fracture enters the joint and depresses the bone, the bone fragments may need to be lifted. This can leave a space below the bone.