J Korean Fract Soc.  2004 Apr;17(2):122-132. 10.12671/jkfs.2004.17.2.122.

The Efficacy of MRI in Tibial Plateau Fractures

• Cho HO
• Kwak KD
• Lim DH
• Ahn SM
• Kang KK

• KMID: 2184055
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2004.17.2.122

Abstract

PURPOSE: To analysis the efficacy of MRI in assessing fracture configuration and frequency of associated soft tissue injuries in tibial plateau fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In the plain films and MRI of 47 cases with tibial plateau fractures,every fracture was classified by findings on plain film and MRI respectively according to the Schatzker system and they were compared with each other. The degree of displacement and depression of the fracture fragments were measured on plain film and MRI.
RESULTS
MRI was more accurate in determining the classification of the fracture and measuring the displacement and depression of fragments. Fracture classifications were changed in 12 cases. Especially in Schatzker VI cases, articular step off over 2 mm and articular fragments over 2X2 cm were revealed in detail by MRI. Evidence of internal derangement of the knee was found in 38 (80.8%) cases.
CONCLUSION
Most of the cases with acute tibial plateau fracture were commonly associated with ligamentous and meniscal injuries. MRI can aid in accurate evaluation of tibial plateau fracture patterns and decision of treatment plan.

Keyword

Tibial plateau fracture; MRI

MeSH Terms

Classification
Depression
Knee
Ligaments
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Soft Tissue Injuries