Injury to Soft Tissue Knee Structures in Patients with Tibia Plateau Fracture

Kim, Doo Sup; Yoon, Yeo Seung; Jeon, Jong Se; Cho, Tae Yeon; Lee, Chang Ho

Abstract

PURPOSE
We wanted to analyze the incidence of soft tissue injury associated with fractures of the tibial plateau.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From November 2005 to December 2008, 36 patients with tibial plateau fractures were examined by radiologic studies. The fractures classified according to Schatzker's classification by using the plain radiographs and computed tomography, and then magnetic resonance imaging was done for assessing the accompanied injuries of the knee structure.
RESULTS
For the 36 cases, accompanying lesions were observed in 30 cases (83.3%). Lateral meniscus damage was the most frequently associated damage, and this was observed in 17 cases (47.2%). Medial meniscus damage was found in 13 cases (36.1%). Anterior crucial ligament damage was found in 11 cases (30.6%). Posterior crucial ligament damage was found in 3 cases (8.3%). Medial collateral ligament damage was found in 16 cases (44.4%) and lateral collateral ligament was found in 8 cases (33.3%).
CONCLUSION
Because soft tissue injury frequently accompanies tibial plateau fracture, MRI evaluation and proper management are necessary regardless of the severity of the fractures.