Clinical case

Tibial plateau fracture

36-year-old male with no relevant history. He suffered direct trauma to his right leg with a hyperextension mechanism during the dispute for a ball while playing soccer. It presents with joint effusion in the knee with impotence for support and intense pain.

Preoperative

A study is carried out with complementary tests (x-rays and CT):

Anteroposterior and lateral radiography of the right knee in which a tibial plateau fracture is observed with anterolateral longitudinal opening and separation with diaphyseal fracture lines.

A CT scan shows a comminuted fracture of the tibial plateau. with subsidence of the anterolateral tibial plateau with anterior, medial and posterior diaphyseal fracture lines.

Diagnosed with tibial plateau fracture according to Schatzker's classification, type II (combination of subsidence and separation) and type VI with dissociation of the metaphysis and diaphysis.

Operation

He underwent surgery 48 hours later, performing an anterolateral approach to the proximal tibia, reduction and internal fixation with a lateral plate of 4.5 mm locked and non-locked screws.

Postoperative

The patient progressed satisfactorily during the postoperative period with analgesic control using a continuous perfusion pump.

Progressive mobilization using articulated knee orthosis.