What is schatzker classification?

The Schatzker classification divides tibial plateau fractures into six types: lateral plateau fracture without depression (type I), lateral plateau fracture with depression (type II), compression fracture of the lateral (type IIIA) or central (type IIIB) plateau, medial plateau fracture (type IV), bicondylar plateau …

What is a schatzker 6 fracture?

Schatzker type V and VI tibial fractures are complex injuries, usually treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using dual plates or ring fixators. ORIF has the advantage of not requiring pin tract care, but has a higher infection rate, especially in open fractures.

What is a schatzker 4 tibial plateau fracture?

A Schatzker type IV fracture is a medial tibial plateau fracture with a split or depressed compo- nent (Fig 7). The mechanism of injury involves varus force with axial loading at the knee (3,4).

What type of fracture is a tibial plateau fracture?

A tibial plateau fracture is a bone fracture or break in the continuity of the bone occurring in the proximal (upper) part of the tibia (shinbone). The tibial plateau is one of the most critical loadbearing areas in the human body.

What is a schatzker 3 tibial plateau fracture?

A Schatzker type III fracture is a pure compression fracture of the lateral tibial plateau in which the articular surface of the tibial plateau is depressed and driven into the lateral tibial metaphysis by axial forces.

What is Pilon fracture?

A pilon fracture is a type of break that occurs at the bottom of the tibia (shinbone) and involves the weight-bearing surface of the ankle joint. With this type of injury, the other bone in the lower leg, the fibula, is frequently broken as well.

What is the treatment for a tibial plateau fracture?

The injury is usually fixed with metal plates and screws placed through a large incision. The type of fracture usually dictates what types of incisions and how many plates and screws are needed. Sometimes bone graft or types of bone cement are needed to support the joint surface.

What is tibial stress fracture?

The tibia (shin bone) is the larger, and major weight bearing bone, of the two lower leg bones. A tibial stress fracture is a complete or incomplete break that develops over time, usually as a result of repeated activity.

What is a Bicondylar tibia fracture?

Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures are complex injuries that are frequently difficult to treat. Bicondylar plateau fractures involve some portion of both the medial and lateral articular surfaces, with associated disruption of the articular fragments from the metaphysis.

What is the long term effects of tibial plateau fractures?

Patients with tibial plateau fractures are believed to have an increased risk for posttraumatic arthritis that may require reconstructive surgery. The incidence of this problem is, however, unknown.

How is a tibial plateau fracture treated?

Tibial Plateau Fracture Care

For fractures that have not shifted, surgery may not be needed. The most common non-surgical treatment is a short leg, non-weightbearing cast or a hinged knee brace, combined with physical therapy and rest. Fractures that have shifted require surgery.

How common is a tibial plateau fracture?

Tibial plateau fractures comprise 1% of all fractures. The incidence of tibial plateau fractures is 10.3 per 100,000 people annually[2].

What is Bicondylar tibial plateau fracture?

Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures are complex injuries that are frequently difficult to treat. Bicondylar plateau fractures involve some portion of both the medial and lateral articular surfaces, with associated disruption of the articular fragments from the metaphysis.

Can a tibia heal without surgery?

These fractures are usually transverse (across) or oblique (slanted) breaks in the bone. Distal tibial metaphyseal fractures usually heal well after setting them without surgery and applying a cast.

When is surgery required for tibial plateau fracture?

Surgeons may recommend an operation to fix the broken tibia if the pieces are displaced, if the bone sticks out of the skin, if skin is at risk for dying or if the bone is unstable due to the fracture type. The injury is usually fixed with metal plates and screws placed through a large incision.

How long is recovery for a tibial plateau fracture?

Non-displaced tibial plateau fractures take up to 3-4 months without surgery to heal. When surgery is required these cases take around 4 months to heal.

Can a tibia fracture heal in 4 weeks?

Depending on health and injury pattern this bone can take 3-4 months to heal without surgery. In the initial few weeks, fractures treated without surgery tend to be painful or uncomfortable until the healing process matures over a few weeks.

Can you walk on a broken tibia after 4 weeks?

If you did not have surgery for your tibial plateau fracture, you can start walking safely with a knee brace in 4-6 weeks.

How long after a tibia fracture can you walk?

Any time a bone is broken we have to remove pressure on that bone to allow it to heal. This contributes to the prolonged healing time and requires a period of about 6 weeks where no weight is put on that leg. Depending on the severity of the break and the complexity of the surgery that time could be even longer.

What is the fastest way to heal a broken tibia?

A study looking at 166 surgically treated tibia fractures discovered that early weight-bearing exercise was linked with faster healing – even in participants who had fractures that weren’t healing properly.

Is tibia fracture serious?

A broken tibia-fibula is a fracture in the lower leg that happens when a fall or blow places more pressure on the bones than they can withstand. A tibia-fibula fracture is a serious injury that requires prompt immediate medical attention. With timely and proper treatment, a broken tibia-fibula can heal completely.