Tibial plateau fracture
A tibial plateau fracture is a break in the upper part of the shin bone, just below the knee joint. Specialist care is important because the injury can affect the joint surface, alignment and stability of the knee.
What causes a tibial plateau fracture?
The injury follows trauma to the knee. A twisting force, fall or direct impact can compress or split the top of the shin bone and may alter the alignment of the joint.
What are the symptoms?
- significant pain and swelling around the knee
- difficulty or inability to put weight through the leg
- reduced movement
- bruising or a change in the shape of the knee after a severe injury
A suspected fracture needs prompt medical assessment.
How is it diagnosed?
Your specialist will examine the knee and arrange X-rays to show the fracture and its alignment. Further imaging may be considered if more detail is needed for treatment planning.
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on whether the joint surface remains aligned and stable.
Treatment routes for tibial plateau fracture
A stable, non-displaced fracture may be treated in a cast or brace. You may need to keep weight off the leg for up to three months while the bone heals, with follow-up imaging and physiotherapy to guide progress.
Working with professionals and teams
Our consultants support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places repeated demands on their knees. Working closely with physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they develop personalised treatment plans that support a safe return to sport, work and everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Knee Treatments
Dedicated to restoring your mobility through advanced surgical care, tailored rehabilitation programmes, and compassionate, evidence-based patient support.
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.