Schatzker Classification of Tibial Plateau Fractures
Six-type classification of tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker 1979). Higher type = greater energy and worse prognosis.
Score interpretation
→ Often percutaneous lag-screw fixation if depression <3 mm. Hinge knee brace 6 weeks; toe-touch weight-bearing.
→ ORIF with elevation of depression and bone graft / substitute. CT pre-op essential. Non-weight-bearing 6–8 weeks.
→ High-energy injury with high-risk neurovascular involvement. Check ABI, peroneal nerve. ORIF dual-plate; consider external fixation if soft tissue compromised.
→ Damage-control orthopaedics: spanning external fixator until soft tissues settle (often 1–2 weeks). Definitive dual-plate ORIF or hybrid frame. High rate of complications (compartment syndrome, infection, post-traumatic OA).
Interpretation bands for the Schatzker. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Tranexamic Acid (ICU/Trauma/Surgical) · Antifibrinolytic
- Co-amoxiclav (Open Fracture Antibiotic Prophylaxis) · Beta-lactam / Beta-lactamase Inhibitor Combination
- Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Polymicrobial Open Fracture Infections) · Extended-spectrum Beta-lactam / Beta-lactamase Inhibitor
- Tranexamic Acid (Surgical / Trauma Haemorrhage) · Antifibrinolytic (Haemostatic)
- Hip Fracture Management · NICE CG124 / BOA 2020
- Distal Radius Fracture · BOA / NICE
- Ankle Fracture Management · BOA / Lauge-Hansen classification
- Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression · NICE CG75 2020
- Open Fracture Management · BOA/BAPRAS 2017
- OrthoPath: Upper Limb ED Triage · OrthoPath ED Tool — ReviseMRCEM.com
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.