title: Tibial Plateau Fractures in Elderly Patients.
abstract: Tibial plateau fractures are common in the elderly population following a low-energy mechanism. Initial evaluation includes an assessment of the soft tissues and surrounding ligaments. Most fractures involve articular depression leading to joint incongruity. Treatment of these fractures may be complicated by osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and medical comorbidities. Optimal reconstruction should restore the mechanical axis, provide a stable construct for mobilization, and reestablish articular congruity. This is accomplished through a variety of internal or external fixation techniques or with acute arthroplasty. Regardless of the treatment modality, particular focus on preservation and maintenance of the soft tissue envelope is paramount.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Joshua C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Rozell
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX.
authors.forename: Krishna C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Vemulapalli
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX.
authors.forename: Joshua L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Gary
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Derek J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Donegan
keywords: elderly; osteoporosis; tibial plateau fracture