Fractures of the tibial plafond

Tibial plafond fractures comprise a diverse group of articular, metaphyseal, and occasionally diaphyseal injuries and have in common injury to the articular surface of the distal tibia and significant associated soft-tissue injury. Injury to the soft tissues combined with the complex fracture patterns has led to high complication rates from surgical attempts to reduce and stabilize these fractures. Currently, there is a wide range of treatment techniques available for a wide spectrum of injury severity, surgeon experience, and surgeon preferences. Patient outcomes vary widely. Because these injuries are relatively uncommon, the amount of clinical data available to guide treatment decisions is limited. Careful classification and assessment of the fracture pattern and associated soft-tissue injury and an understanding of the principles of modern concepts of treatment should allow the surgeon to choose from among several treatment protocols, all of which emphasize minimizing complications to optimize patient outcomes.