RadEssentialReading-room reference
Schatzker tibial plateau
Types I–III involve the lateral plateau, IV the medial plateau, V–VI both. Higher types mean higher-energy injury.
| Type | Description | Associated |
|---|---|---|
| I | Lateral plateau split (wedge), no depression | Younger, dense bone; lateral meniscus can trap in split |
| II | Lateral split-depression | Most common |
| III | Lateral pure depression | Older, osteoporotic bone |
| IV | Medial plateau fracture | Often fracture-dislocation; check popliteal artery and peroneal nerve |
| V | Bicondylar, metaphysis intact | Inverted Y pattern |
| VI | Plateau fracture with metaphyseal–diaphyseal dissociation | High energy; compartment syndrome risk |
Report
- Articular depression (mm) and step-off, condylar widening, fragment count.
- Lipohemarthrosis (fat–fluid level) on cross-table lateral if fracture is subtle.
Sources
- Schatzker J, McBroom R, Bruce D. The tibial plateau fracture: the Toronto experience 1968–1975. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1979;(138):94–104.PubMed ↗
Radessential summarizes published classification systems for practicing radiologists. Summaries are condensed; confirm details against the cited source before relying on them for patient care.