Management of Schatzker Types I, II and III Fractures of the Lateral Tibial Plateau in Niamey (Niger): About 33 Cases

Low-velocity tibial plateau fractures are not very comminuted and classically involve the lateral tibial plateau. The aim of this study was to present the anatomical and functional results of surgical treatment of external tibial plateau fractures classified as Schatzker types I, II and III. This was a cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, involving 33 patients. Functional results were assessed by the Lysholm score, and anatomical results by the Duparc and Cavagna criteria. The mean age of patients was 44.7 years, with a predominance of males (sex ratio 3 (25H/8F)). Road traffic accidents were the most frequent etiology, occurring in 28 patients (84.8%). Schatzker type I fractures were the most frequent, with 14 cases (42.4%). Osteosynthesis with a screw plate was the most common method of fixation in 15 patients (45.5%), followed by percutaneous screw fixation under fluoroscopic control in 13 cases (39.4%). The mean follow-up was 44.09 months. The mean Lysholm score for functional results was 90.09/100. Osteosynthesis using screw plates and percutaneous screw fixation under fluoroscopic control remains an effective therapeutic approach with good results.