Tibial plateau fractures in alpine skiing.

Tibial plateau fractures are uncommon in sports. Between 1977 and 1986, the authors studied 18 skiers who suffered tibial plateau fractures. Fracture patterns were diverse and displacement minimal. Hyperextension-valgus displacement caused compression fracture of the anterolateral tibial plateau in a characteristic form in 44%. Detection of these fractures is difficult by clinical and plain radiograph assessment, thus diagnosis may require acute awareness and special imaging tests. Although tibial plateau fractures are uncommon in skiers, early detection and treatment is important for best result in this sports population.