Considering the epidemiology of all musculoskeletal fractures, tibial articular surface fracture is rare and often due to high-energy injury mechanisms that place an axial load on the tibia. Patients reporting this type of fracture often have associated injuries to adjacent structures such as ligaments, menisci, etc. Low-energy tibial plateau fractures are also possible, however more commonly reported by older people already suffering from osteoporotic disease. Because of the nature of the injury itself, patients reporting this type of tibial plateau injury usually undergo a full emergency evaluation as they may present with high levels of pain, swelling, reduced mobility, impaired knee function, and potentially knee deformity.
