OUTCOME OF FIXATION OF DISPLACED AND UNSTABLE CLOSE SCHATZKER TYPE V & VI TIBIAL PLATEAU FRACTURES BY USING UNILATERAL LOCKING T PLATE

Abstract

Background: Fractures of the tibial plateau, especially Schatzki type V and VI, are intricate intra-articular injuries which typically occur as a result of high-energy trauma. These fractures are very challenging because they are accompanied by soft tissue damage, comminution and problems with attaining a stable fixation. Although there is good fixation with dual plating, it is linked with increased soft tissue complications. Unilateral locking T plate fixation is also a less invasive option with perhaps similar results. Objective: o establishes if there is functional outcome of fixation of displaced and unstable closed Schatzki type V and VI tibial plateau fractures with unilateral locking T plate. Methodology: This was a descriptive longitudinal study which was carried out in the Orthopedic Department of Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, within a period of October 2025 to January 2026. Sixty consecutive samplings were used to sample 60 patients aged 20-60 years with Schatzki type V and VI fractures. Patients were operated on with the use of a unilateral locking T plate and open reduction. During 12 weeks of follow-up, functional outcome was examined with the Oxford Knee Score, and was measured as excellent, good, fair and poor. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the data. Findings: Out of 60 patients, 78, 13, 6, and 3, achieved excellent, good, fair and poor results respectively. The mean Oxford Knee Score was 41.2 ± 4.6. The age at which they were presented, earlier age and lack of diabetes were significantly linked to better outcomes (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Unilateral locking T plateau fixation is a good treatment modality in displaced Schatzki type V and VI tibial plateau fractures to achieve satisfactory functional results with minimal soft tissue complications as compared to dual plating.