Clinical Analysis of Classification for Tibial Plateau Fractures and Popliteal Artery Injury

Abstract Background To explore the association between the classification for tibial plateau fractures (TPF) and the popliteal artery injury (PAI).Methods 22 TPF patients accompanied by PAI who were treated from May 2012 to July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 19 males and 3 females with an average age of 49.43 years. The Schatzker classification and three-column classification were performed for TPF. The severity of extremity injury was evaluated using the mangled extremity severity score (MESS). Except 3 patients treated with amputation, the remaining patients underwent surgical repair of popliteal artery and fracture external fixation. The outcome was evaluated using the Rasmussen score for tibial head fractures.Results There were 10 cases of Schatzker type IV fractures, 1 case of type V fractures and 11 cases of type VI fractures. Based on the three-column classification, the posterior column was involved in 22 cases, 2 columns in 15 cases and 3 columns in 6 cases. The MESS was 6-10 points, with an average of 7.59 points. Except 1 case directly receiving amputation, 3 cases of segment P1 injury was observed via preoperative DSA + intraoperative exploration, while segment P2 in 6 cases and segment P3 in 12 cases. Popliteal artery was found completely ruptured in 11 cases, partially ruptured in 1 case, and severely contused with thrombosis in 10 cases. The Rasmussen score was given to 19 patients at the last follow-up, except for the cases undergoing amputation. The outcome was satisfied in 14 cases, unsatisfied in 5 cases.Conclusion: In patients with complex TPF, the risk of PAI becomes higher with the increase of Schatzker classification level. Knee CT scan is helpful in determining the severity of fractures and evaluating PAI. Based on the three-column classification, PAI should be suspected when the fractures involve the medial and posterior column.PAI is mainly in the segment P3, and artery rupture or severe contusion with extensive thrombosis may occur.