Tibial Plateau Fractures - Schatzker Classification

Question 1

Type 1 - Vertical split of lateral condyle

Answer 1

Fracture through dense bone, usually in the young. It may be virtually undisplaced, or the condylar fragment may be pushed inferiorly and tilted

Question 2

Type 2 - Vertical split of the lateral condyle combined with an adjacent load bearing part of the condyle

Answer 2

The wedge fragment (which may be of variable size), is displaced laterally; the joint is widened. Untreated, a valgus deformity may develop

Question 3

Type 3 - Depression of the articular surface with intact condylar rim

Answer 3

The split does not extend to the edge of the plateau. Depressed fragments may be firmly embedded in subchondral bone, the joint is stable

Question 4

Type 4 - Fragment of the medial tibial condyle

Answer 4

Two injuries are seen in this category; (1) a depressed fracture of osteoporotic bone in the elderly. (2) a high energy fracture resulting in a condylar split that runs from the intercondylar eminence to the medial cortex. Associated ligamentous injury may be severe

Question 5

Type 5 - Fracture of both condyles

Answer 5

Both condyles fractured but the column of the metaphysis remains in continuity with the tibial shaft

Question 6

Type 6 - Combined condylar and subcondylar fractures

Answer 6

High energy fracture with marked comminution