Diagnostics

Clinical examination: peripheral perfusion, motor function, and sensation

X-rays: knee and ankle (anteroposterior and lateral views)

• Even when no obvious fracture is detected, tibial plateau fractures may cause lipohemarthrosis. This is visible as a fat-fluid level on x-ray.

MRI: can be useful to assess injuries to the meniscus and the ligaments associated with tibial plateau fractures.

Joint aspiration: can be performed

• Bloody effusion (hemarthrosis) with fatty spots indicates an osteochondral fracture.