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Posterior approach offers better access to articular surface depression for Schatzker IV fractures
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Nearly half of Schatzker type IV fractures have posterior articular surface depression, which is more directly accessible through the use of a posterior approach compared with the medial approach, according to study findings.
Researchers analyzed the medical records, including digital radiologic data, of 115 patients treated between January 2009 and December 2011 for tibial plateau fracture with an articular surface depression deeper than 5 mm. The researchers calculated the depression depth, precise location of the articular depression center, surface area percentage and distance of the fracture gap to the depression center.
Overall, 47.83% of cases had posterior articular surface depression, with an average depth of 12.41 mm for the depression articular surface and a surface area percentage of 20.15% of the entire tibial plateau.
The researchers calculated a gap distance of 41.4 mm from the medial direction compared with a 2.8-times shorter distance of 14.91 mm from the posterior direction. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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