Tibial plateau fractures are a risk to the functional integrity of the knee, affecting the axial alignment and capable of leading to pain and disability of the individual. Early weight bearing and joint mobilization can prevent these functional deficits. the goal of the present study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature about studies that quote the beginning, evolution, and progression criteria for weight-bearing in postoperative period of tibial plateau fractures. We selected articles published in the last 12 years, in Portuguese and English, that described the time of onset and progression of weight-bearing, considering the severity of the fracture. Thirty-six articles were selected. There is no consensus in the literature as to the beginning and evolution of weight-bearing in the postoperative period of tibial plateau fractures; however, a relationship between the severity of the fracture and the fixation method has been observed.
Keywords: physical therapy; rehabilitation; tibial fractures; weight-bearing.