[Ligament injuries in tibial plateau fractures]

Fracture dislocations of the proximal tibia are associated with a markedly high incidence of ligament ruptures. Despite knowledge on the frequency of accompanying ligament injuries, even now neither adequate diagnostics nor targeted treatment of associated ligament injuries are the gold standard in the treatment algorithm for tibial plateau fractures. To be able to assess the risk and the type of accompanying ligament injuries in tibial plateau fractures, it is recommended to decidedly analyze the fracture morphology. For example, flexion varus fractures are very frequently associated with injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament, whereas valgus fractures are prone to ruptures of the medial collateral ligament and (hyper)extension fractures facilitate ruptures of the posterior cruciate ligament and the posterolateral corner. In order not to overlook high-grade instability, magnetic resonance imaging or intraoperative dynamic fluoroscopy can be carried out after completing osteosynthesis. Bony avulsions should either be addressed directly during osteosynthesis or indirectly retained via interfragmentary compression. In cases of direct visualization or relevant instability, intraligamentous tears should at least be intraoperatively reduced. If patients suffer from persistent instability a secondary ligament reconstruction with autologous tendons can be carried out following bony consolidation of the tibial plateau fracture.