[Tibial head fractures: role of MRI?]

Tibial head fractures are the consequences of a direct compression mechanism. There are many classification systems but the most common are the Schatzker and the AO classification. Standard X-Rays of the knee (anteroposterior and lateral) are required. A CT-scan is useful when understanding the fracture morphology is difficult, thus helping with the choice of treatment (either conservative or by surgery). MRI allows detecting occult fractures and concomitant soft tissue injuries. The rate of false positive is not negligible, especially for meniscal lesions. Undoubtedly, it would be of great help for the surgeon to associate a kind of fracture with a typical soft tissue injury pattern. But, this is not reliable as yet.