Results of Surgical Treatment in Schatzker Type VI Tibial Plateau Fracture

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors influencing the results for the treatment of the Schatzker type VI tibial plateau fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two cases of the 21 patients in Schatzker type VI tibial plateau fractures were analyzed. Treatment results were analyzed according to the type of fracture (open vs closed), method of operative treatment, angulation more than 5 degree and status of infection. The functional results was evaluated by Hohl's functional criteria. Student t-test was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Functional outcome demonstrated 5 excellent, 8 good, 6 fair and 3 poor results. There was no significant difference in the treatment results between type of fracture, method of operative treatment and status of infection. Among 9 cases with angular deformity of more than 5 degree, 2 showed excellent or good result and 7 showed fair or poor result (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between rate of postoperative infection and the mean period of the clinical bone union (p=0.66). CONCLUSION: Accurate anatomical reduction and rigid fixation is essential for the treatment of Schatzker type VI tibial plateau fractures for the prevention of the angular deformity. And early weight bearing exercise should be controlled for the prevention of loss of reduction and loss of alignment leading to angular deformity.