Orthopedics · Lower Limb Trauma (Hip, Femur, Knee, Tibia, Foot)

The Schatzker classification of tibial plateau fractures: a Type IV fracture is characterized by which pattern?

  • A Pure cleavage fracture of the lateral plateau
  • B Medial condyle fracture (split or depression) ✓
  • C Bicondylar fracture with metaphyseal dissociation
  • D Comminuted fracture of both condyles extending to the diaphysis
Correct answer: B. Medial condyle fracture (split or depression)

Explanation

Schatzker classification: Type I = lateral split; Type II = lateral split-depression; Type III = lateral pure central depression; Type IV = medial condyle fracture (pure split or split-depression) — this is the most serious unicondylar type, associated with vascular injury, peroneal nerve palsy, and ligamentous disruption; Type V = bicondylar fracture; Type VI = bicondylar fracture with metaphyseal-diaphyseal dissociation. Types IV–VI are high-energy injuries. Type IV specifically involves the medial plateau, which is anatomically stronger and requires greater force to fracture.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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