Functional outcomes of postoperative patients with Schatzker tibial plateau fractures V and VI

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36097/rgcs.v3i1.3202

Keywords:

plateau, tibia, Schatzker classification, functionality, Rasmussen

Abstract

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.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Biz, C., Stecco, C., Perissinotto, S., Zhao, X., Ierardi, R., Puce, L., Migliorini, F., Bragazzi, N. L., & Ruggieri, P. (2025). Diagnostic Predictors of Recovery Outcomes Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Tibial Plateau Fractures: A Retrospective Study Based on the Schatzker Classification. Diagnostics, 15(11), 1304. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15111304

Buckley, R. E., Moran, C. G., & Apivatthakakul, T. (Eds.). (2017). AO principles of fracture management (3rd ed.). AO Publishing.

Chang, H., Zhu, Y., Zheng, Z., Chen, W., Zhao, S., Zhang, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2016). Single lateral locked plating achieves similar outcomes to dual plating in highly comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures: A meta-analysis. International Orthopaedics, 40, 2129–2141. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-016-3157-8

Hake, M. E., & Goulet, J. A. (2016). Open reduction and internal fixation of the tibial plateau through the anterolateral approach. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, 30(Suppl. 2), S28–S29. https://doi.org/10.1097/BOT.0000000000000581

NOM-004-SSA3. (2012). Del expediente clínico. NORMA Oficial Mexicana NOM-004-SSA3-2012. https://dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle_popup.php?codigo=5272787

Popper, H. R., Fliegel, B. E., Elliott, D. M., & Su, A. W. (2023). Surgical Management of Traumatic Meniscus Injuries. Pathophysiology, 30(4), 618-629. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathophysiology30040044

Reátiga, J., Rios, X., González, E., De La Rosa, A., & Arzuza, L. (2022). Epidemiological characterization of tibial plateau fractures. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 17, 106. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-022-02988-8

Rohra, N., Suri, H. S., & Gangrade, K. (2016). Functional and Radiological Outcome of Schatzker type V and VI Tibial Plateau Fracture Treatment with Dual Plates with Minimum 3 years follow-up: A Prospective Study. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 10(5), RC05–RC10. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2016/18732.7855

Vo, T. T., Nguyen, D. T., Dinh Le, N. A., Van Nguyen, K. H., Vuu, H. K., Le, T. A., & Le Phan, N. B. (2024). Evaluation of meniscal injury on magnetic resonance imaging and knee arthroscopy in patient with anterior cruciate ligament tear. SICOT-J, 10, 56. https://doi.org/10.1051/sicotj/2024051

Yokota, S., Ishizu, H., Miyazaki, T., Takahashi, D., Iwasaki, N., & Shimizu, T. (2024). Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, and Subchondral Insufficiency Fracture: Recent Insights. Biomedicines, 12(4), 843. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12040843

Published

2026-01-31

Data Availability Statement

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Issue

Section

Original articles

How to Cite

Santos, P., Gutiérrez, L. E., Carrera, V. G., Martínez, M. A., Flores, J. E., & Castro, C. E. (2026). Functional outcomes of postoperative patients with Schatzker tibial plateau fractures V and VI. Revista Gregoriana De Ciencias De La Salud, 3(1), 30-39. https://doi.org/10.36097/rgcs.v3i1.3202

Similar Articles

1-10 of 78

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.