Hello, Most of the fracture near the joints are generally operated. If fractures are not displaced or very minimally displaced then they can be treated conservatively in plaster cast. It depends on your attending doctor to take decision in your favour. The good thing is that fractures near ends of bones are in metaphyseal bone which generally heal well if you are taking due precautions. Most of the tibial plateau fracture generally heal well in 6-8 weeks time. Your doctor will do frequent x ray examination in 1-2 weeks to know the health of healing bone. After 6-8 weeks he remove plaster cast depending upon x ray picture and apply a compression bandage or a Range of movement knee brace. Now you need good physiotherapy to mobilize your knee and ankle joint and to strengthen your muscles. This may take about 2-3 weeks time. After post injury 3-4 months you may able to walk normally and with in 6 month you will be able to back to your normal life. Please do not worry, in most of the cases there are no lasting consequences after such injury. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Mukesh Tiwari, Orthopedic Surgeon