Computed Tomography Evaluation of Tibial Plateau Fracture and Classification by Schatzker System

Introduction: Tibial plateau fractures are usually associated with high energy trauma.Computed tomography evaluation and classification of fractures by Schatzkers system helps in pre-operative planning and management.Study aimed to enumerate the role of computed tomography in tibial plateau fractures and its classification assisting in treatment management.Material and methods: A prospective study of computed tomographic assessment of tibial plateau fractures was done in the department of Radio-diagnosis, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute.Age, gender distribution, mode of injury, affected limb and further classification of fractures by Schatzker system and management were recorded.The results were tabulated and evaluated by Microsoft excel 2010. Results:The study included 30 patients with tibial plateau fracture evaluated with plain computed tomography.Majority of patients were males, most between 30 to 35years, the left limb is injured more commonly than the right limb, with most common causative factor being the motor vehicle accident.Further Schatzker's type II fracture was most commonly seen.Out of 30 patients, 11 with complex fractures required open reduction and internal fixation done as a staged procedure, 14 were treated with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique, 2 patients were managed conservatively with strict immobilization, 2 patients were referred to higher center and 1 patient died due to associated grievous injury.Conclusion: Tibial plateau fractures occur as a result of high energy trauma, evaluation and classification of fractures by computed tomography can help in proper planning of management of fractures in accordance with severity of fractures.