From the Research
The lateral tibial plateau is located on the upper (proximal) end of the tibia bone in the lower leg, specifically on the outer (lateral) side of the knee joint. It forms the bottom articulating surface of the knee joint, where it meets with the lateral condyle of the femur 1. This relatively flat surface is covered with articular cartilage and contains a slight concavity that helps accommodate the rounded femoral condyle. The lateral tibial plateau is typically slightly higher (more elevated) than its medial counterpart and has a more convex shape. Some key points to consider about the lateral tibial plateau include:
- Its location on the proximal tibia, which is crucial for weight-bearing and knee stability 2
- Its role in forming the base of the knee joint, along with the medial tibial plateau, to distribute forces between the femur and tibia during various activities 3
- The importance of accurate alignment and positioning of the lateral tibial plateau in surgical procedures, such as total knee arthroplasty, to achieve optimal outcomes 4, 5 Overall, the lateral tibial plateau plays a vital role in the structure and function of the knee joint, and its accurate identification and management are essential in various orthopedic contexts.