Intra-operative tibial plateau fracture during unicompartmental knee replacement: a case report

• Published in: The knee Vol. 10; no. 4; pp. 367 - 369
• Main Authors: Sloper, P.J.H., Hing, C.B., Donell, S.T., Glasgow, M.M.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.12.2003; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee - adverse effects; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee - methods; Bone Cements; Humans; Intra-operative fracture; Intraoperative Complications - etiology; Male; Middle Aged; Tibial Fractures - etiology; Tibial plateau; Unicompartmental knee replacement; Tibial plateau; Unicompartmental knee replacement; Intra-operative fracture
• ISSN: 0968-0160; 1873-5800
• DOI: 10.1016/S0968-0160(03)00003-6

Periprosthetic fracture is a recognised complication of joint replacement. Intra-operative fractures of the tibia during total knee replacement have been reported and classified, but there have been no reports in patients undergoing unicompartmental knee replacement. We report a case of intra-operative fracture of the medial tibial plateau during impaction of the tibial component of an Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement. This occurred following a small breach in the posterior tibial cortex during preparation of the tibial plateau for the implant. We therefore advise caution during this stage of the procedure, especially in patients who may already be at risk of intra-operative fracture.