surgery or not

the radiologist reports my knee has acomminuted tibial fracture with transverse fracture line thru the tibial metephysis extending to the articular surface of the lateral plateau and into the proximal tibiofibular joint. the cruciate ligaments are intact and attached to the large fracture fragment which includes the entire medial tibial plateau, interchodylar potion of the tibia and a portion of the lateral tibia plateau. There was possible joint rupture and periarticular hemmorage. There is a possible muscle tear  into the popliteus muscle, but the popliteus tndon is intact. There is a longditudinal split at the junction of the ilotibial band and the patellar. The distal attachment of the ilotibial band is likely avulsed associated with comminted fracture.
Is surgery necessary to heal this or can it heal by just keeping weight off the knee joint. will it take weks or months to heal without surgery

[Michael L Gross, MD]

The bone will heal no matter what you do.  The key however, is healing in proper alignment.  Your fracture is intra-articular, it extends into the joint. If it is not properly reduced and maintained, there is a high incidence of post traumatic arthritis in the future.  This will cause stiffness, pain, and loss of function.  Surgery is often necessary for the fracture you have described.  I recommend you see an orthopedist as soon as possible.