Schatzker classification is used for fractures of which structure?

Schatzker classification is used for fractures of which structure?

• A. Distal radius
• B. Proximal femur
• C. Tibial plateau
• D. Ankle mortise

Answer: (C)

Schatzker classification is a system used to describe fractures of the tibial plateau, the top surface of the tibia that forms part of the knee joint. It categorizes fracture patterns seen on imaging into six types, ranging from simple lateral splits to lateral split-depression, pure depression of the lateral or involvement of the medial plateau, bicondylar fractures, and fractures with metaphyseal-diaphyseal dissociation. This helps clinicians assess articular disruption and stability, which guides treatment decisions such as elevation and bone grafting for depressed compartments or choosing plating strategies for different fracture patterns. It’s not used for fractures of the distal radius, proximal femur, or the ankle mortise, which have their own separate classification systems.

Schatzker classification is a system used to describe fractures of the tibial plateau, the top surface of the tibia that forms part of the knee joint. It categorizes fracture patterns seen on imaging into six types, ranging from simple lateral splits to lateral split-depression, pure depression of the lateral or involvement of the medial plateau, bicondylar fractures, and fractures with metaphyseal-diaphyseal dissociation. This helps clinicians assess articular disruption and stability, which guides treatment decisions such as elevation and bone grafting for depressed compartments or choosing plating strategies for different fracture patterns. It’s not used for fractures of the distal radius, proximal femur, or the ankle mortise, which have their own separate classification systems.