MR FINDINGS IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE TIBIAL PLATEAU FRACTURES

Objective. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the MRI findin gs associated with acute tibial plateau fractures. Materials and Metho ds. MR scans of 29 patients with acute tibial plateau fractures were a nalyzed retrospectively, The images were evaluated for the presence of injuries involving the menisci, cruciate and collateral ligaments, Th e presence of a lipohemarthrosis or a simple joint effusion was also n oted, The tibial plateau fractures were classified according to the sc heme devised by Schatzker. Results. Evidence of internal derangement o f the knee was found in 28 (97%) patients. Tibial collateral ligament (55%) injuries and lateral meniscus (45%) tears were noted most freque ntly, Medial meniscus tears were seen in 21% and fibular collateral li gament injuries were diagnosed in 34%, Forty-one percent had anterior cruciate ligament injuries while the posterior cruciate ligament was i njured in 28%, Twelve (41%) patients demonstrated the characteristic M RI features of a lipohemarthrosis. Simple joint effusions were found i n the remaining 17 (59%) patients. Conclusion. MR imaging in patients with acute tibial plateau fractures commonly demonstrates associated l igamentous and meniscal injuries, By imaging in multiple planes, MRI c an aid in the accurate characterization of tibial plateau fracture pat terns and severity. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.