A 25-year-old football player sustains a twisting injury to the knee and is brought to casualty. X-ray shows a vertical fracture of the lateral tibial plateau (Schatzker type I). The mechanism is best explained by:
- A Pure axial compression causing central depression of the plateau in an osteoporotic bone
- B Hyperextension injury causing posterior plateau fracture
- C Axial compression with valgus force on a young individual with dense cancellous bone causing the lateral femoral condyle to split the tibial plateau ✓
- D Varus force on the medial compartment displacing the medial tibial spine
Correct answer: C. Axial compression with valgus force on a young individual with dense cancellous bone causing the lateral femoral condyle to split the tibial plateau
Explanation
Schatzker type I is a pure lateral tibial plateau split fracture, typically seen in young patients with strong cancellous bone. A valgus force combined with axial loading causes the lateral femoral condyle to act as a wedge, splitting the lateral plateau vertically without significant depression. In older osteoporotic bone, the same force would cause depression (Schatzker II). Operative fixation with buttress plate prevents displacement.
Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.