Are all Schatzker Type-II tibial plateau fractures alike? A retrospective study

Abstract Introduction -Lateral tibial plateau is the commonest area to encounter the malunion inspite of surgical intervention. Limitation in fracture understanding has role to play and currently available classifications are lacking information about the morphological description of the fracture and injury to the associated ligaments/meniscus.Aims, Hypothesis and Methodology -In an attempt to add the information to Schatzker's type-II fracture, we propose a technical tip for detailed injury characterization. Clinical and radiological records of 20 patients with Schatzker's-II fracture tibial plateau were evaluated to identify heterogeneity of fracture.Results -Four displacement patterns of depression were seen, with varying severity of comminution involving the depressed fragment. The cortical split was in multiple planes in 55% of cases and associated injury to meniscus and MCL were identified in 40% of cases.Conclusion-Tibial plateau fracture classified as Schatzker's Type II tibial plateau fractures are morphologically split and depression fracture of the lateral tibial plateau, with concealed fracture heterogeneity in displacement patterns, fracture configuration, and associated injury to menisci or ligaments.