[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/) › Tibial Plateau Fracture

[Conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/) · [Knee](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/)

# Tibial Plateau Fracture

A tibial plateau fracture is a break in the top of the shin bone that reaches the joint surface of the knee.

Updated 2026-10-23

## Structures involved

Tap one to see what it is and open it in 3D.

- [Tibia](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibia/)
- [Tibial cartilage](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/articular-cartilage-of-tibial-plateau/)
- [Common fibular nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/common-fibular-nerve/)

## What it is

Break of the proximal [tibia](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibia/) that involves the articular surface.

## Classification

- Schatzker I–VI
- Lateral plateau most often involved

## Symptoms and signs

- Pain and swelling of the knee
- Inability to bear weight

## Diagnosis

**Clinical**
Exam and mechanism

**Imaging**
X-ray and CT

## Treatment

**Surgical**
Open reduction and internal fixation for most displaced fractures.

## Complications

- Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
- Compartment syndrome
- Nerve injury

## Related conditions

- [Patellar fracture](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/patellar-fracture/)
- [Acute compartment syndrome](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acute-compartment-syndrome/)
- [Tibial shaft fracture](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/tibial-shaft-fracture/)

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [Tibial Plateau Fractures](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470593/) (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).

[← All conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/)

## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

---
Source: https://durgical.com/en/conditions/tibial-plateau-fracture/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/conditions/tibial-plateau-fracture/