Intra-articular tibial plateau stress fracture associated with osteoarthrosis and valgus knee deformity

Severe valgus deformity of the knee secondary to osteoarthritis can predispose to stress fracture of the lateral tibial plateau. Described herein is a case of severe valgus knee deformity that was complicated by an intra-articular tibial plateau stress fracture and treated by a fully constrained Guepar hinge prosthesis with a satisfactory end result. The etioIogy and mechanism of this complication are discussed, with emphasis on the diagnostic process.