The prevalence of soft tissue injuries in nonoperative tibial plateau fractures as determined by magnetic resonance imaging

Objective: To determine the incidence of meniscus tears and complete ligament disruption in nondisplaced and minimally displaced tibial plateau fractures, which are otherwise amenable to nonoperative management. Design: Prospective clinical study. Setting: Level I urban trauma center. Intervention: Magnetic resonance imaging of 20 consecutive nonoperative tibial plateau fractures. Results: Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 20 consecutive nonoperative (nondisplaced or minimally displaced) tibial plateau fractures to determine the frequency of significant soft tissue injuries. Ninety percent (18 of 20) had magnetic resonance imaging-diagnosed significant injuries to the soft tissues, including 80% (16 of 20) with meniscal tears, and 40% (8 of 20) with complete ligament disruptions. Conclusions: This study found a high prevalence of soft tissue injuries with nondisplaced fractures of the tibia] plateau and cautions the physician and patient with respect to future knee function and possible arthrosis.