Abstract

Tibialplateau fractures represent 1,2% of all fractures, they are predominant in two groups: young patients who suffer of high-energy trauma and in elderly with osteopenia due to low energy trauma. In young patients, soft tissue trauma is more frequent due to bone resistance, in the elderly it is associated with articular surface depression. Fractures causes are associated with valgus or varus axial compression, precipitation, car accidents and sports. Lateral tibialplateau fractures are more frequent than medial fractures due to physiological valgus.

These fractures are divided in VI types, V and VI include both tibialplateau, medial and lateral, having worst post surgical results due to recovery time and residual sequels.

This study will evaluate treatment election in Hospital San Juan de Dios and present epidemiological background with costarrican data that will be useful for future investigations and/or treatment protocols.

Surgical results are assessed with patient satisfaction with the surgical process and post surgical functionality, because these variables have proven best effect in therapeutical intervention evaluation.

Key Words: Tibial plateau fractures; Shatzker V; Shatzker VI; osteosynthesis