SHORT TERM RADIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF FIXATION OF SCHATZKER II TIBIAL PLATEAU FRACTURES BY SCREWS ONLY

H. Abdelaal, Ahmed; Shams Eldin, Marwan; Diaa Eldin Hamouda, Mohamed; Addosooki, A; A. Mohamed, Mohamed

doi:10.21608/ejor.2025.455187

SHORT TERM RADIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF FIXATION OF SCHATZKER II TIBIAL PLATEAU FRACTURES BY SCREWS ONLY

Document Type : Original articles: include clinical trials, interventional research, Basic researches and clinically relevant laboratory investigations

Authors

¹ Orthopaedic Unit, General & Specialized Surgery dept., Taibah Univ., Almadina Almonawara, KSA

² Orthopedic dept., Sohag Faculty of Medicine, Sohag, Egypt

10.21608/ejor.2025.455187

Abstract

Background: Schatzker type II tibial plateau fractures involve a split and depression of the lateral tibial plateau and require effective treatment to restore joint stability and prevent long-term complications. This study aimed to evaluate short-term clinical and radiological outcomes of closed reduction and percutaneous cannulated screw fixation in such cases. Methods: This prospective clinical study included 20 skeletally mature patients (aged 35–62) with isolated Schatzker type II fractures treated with percutaneous screw fixation. Patients were followed clinically and radiographically for one year. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA and Chi-square tests. Results: The average operative time was 85.80 ± 3.47 minutes. Radiological scores declined significantly over time (mean: 9.25 to 6.75, p < 0.0001), though MPTA improved significantly from 88.38° to 91.42° (p < 0.0001). The average clinical score was 23.80 ± 2.73, with 55% of patients rated excellent or good. Radiological union occurred at a mean of 16.85 ± 0.88 weeks, and the average rehabilitation period was 12.65 ± 2.96 weeks. Complications included malunion (20%), nonunion (15%), osteoarthritis (10%), and stiffness (5%), while 50% of patients experienced no complications. Con-clusions: Percutaneous screw fixation for Schatzker II fractures is a reliable and minimally invasive technique that provides acceptable clinical and radiological outcomes in the short term. Although radiological grading may decline over time, overall functional recovery remains favorable. Proper patient selection and careful intraoperative technique are essential to minimize complications and optimize results.

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