Arthroscopic Treatment of Schatzker Type III Tibial Plateau Fractures Using a Combination of Bioabsorbable Interference Screws and Cannulated Screws.

Abstract

Schatzker type III tibial plateau fractures, characterized by a pure depression of the lateral articular surface, predominantly affect osteoporotic, middle-aged, and elderly patients. Successful management requires anatomical reduction and stable fixation to minimize complications like post-traumatic arthritis. Conventional open reduction and internal fixation, which involves extensive soft-tissue dissection and relies on fluoroscopic assessment, often fails to address concomitant intra-articular injuries. Utilizing advancements in arthroscopy and bioabsorbable implants, we propose a technique combining arthroscopic-assisted reduction with a composite fixation construct of bioabsorbable interference and cannulated screws. This method provides direct visualization for precise reduction, minimizes soft-tissue trauma, and creates a biomechanically stable environment for early rehabilitation, integrating minimally invasive principles with effective fracture stabilization.