ESTUDO OBSERVACIONAL DA CLASSIFICAÇÃO DE SCHATZKER EM FRATURAS DO PLANALTO TIBIAL

The Schatzker classification is widely used in orthopedic practice to categorize tibial plateau fractures. The objective of this observational study is to analyze the efficacy and clinical relevance of this classification, evaluating its applicability in clinical and prognostic decision-making. The records of patients with tibial plateau fractures admitted in 2023 to the orthopedic center of a public hospital in the city of Salvador, Bahia, were retrospectively analyzed. Data were collected regarding the distribution of fractures according to the Schatzker classification, correlating them with clinical variables such as age, mechanism of injury, surgical interventions, and functional outcomes. X-ray and computed tomography tools were used for a better analysis of the cases analyzed in the medical records. Comparative analysis with other classifications of tibial plateau fractures was also performed to highlight the advantages and limitations of the Schatzker classification in relation to new approaches. The preliminary results demonstrated a heterogeneous distribution of tibial plateau fractures according to the Schatzker classification, with a predominance of more common types such as type II and type VI fractures, allowing us to conclude that, through the analysis of the study, of the different types of tibial plateau fractures according to the Schatzker classification, the importance of an individualized approach in the treatment of these injuries was demonstrated. While less complex fractures (types I and III) generally respond well to conservative treatment, more complex fractures (types IV and V) often require more extensive surgical interventions. However, in the cases analyzed, the functional outcomes showed both good and excellent results.