Functional outcomes of postoperative patients with Schatzker tibial plateau fractures V and VI
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36097/rgcs.v3i1.3202Keywords:
plateau, tibia, Schatzker classification, functionality, RasmussenAbstract
Type V and VI proximal tibial fractures, as described by Schatzker, are usually the result of high-energy trauma, such as traffic accidents or falls from height. These injuries are frequently associated with additional damage that complicates treatment and negatively affects functional outcomes. A retrospective, observational, and analytical study was conducted at the “Dr. Gustavo A. Rovirosa Pérez” Regional High Specialty Hospital, including 37 patients over 18 years of age who underwent surgical treatment between January 2023 and January 2025. High-energy mechanisms accounted for 86.5% of cases, and the left limb was the most frequently affected (65%). Schatzker type VI fractures represented 70% of cases, while type V accounted for 29%. Functional outcomes were assessed using the modified Rasmussen scale. Excellent results were observed in 23% of patients and good results in 47%, yielding a 70% rate of favorable functional outcomes. Fracture complexity, obesity, associated injuries, prolonged immobilization, and irregular rehabilitation were identified as factors negatively impacting recovery. These findings emphasize the importance of individualized surgical planning and comprehensive postoperative management to optimize functional results.
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Data Availability Statement
The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Paola Santos, Luis E. Gutiérrez, Verónica G. Carrera, Mónica A. Martínez, Jorge E. Flores, Carlos E. Castro

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