Predictors of Fracture-Dislocation in Schatzker IV Tibial Plateau Fractures: A Reproducible, Quantitative MRI-Based Injury-Pattern Analysis

This single-center retrospective observational case-control study evaluates imaging characteristics and associated soft-tissue injury patterns in patients with Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fractures. The study population consists of adult patients who underwent surgical treatment at a tertiary trauma center between January 2019 and December 2025.

Eligible participants are identified through review of medical records and imaging archives. Inclusion criteria include age between 18 and 70 years and availability of complete preoperative imaging, including radiographs, CT scans, and MRI examinations. Exclusion criteria include fractures other than Schatzker type IV, prior surgery of the affected knee, pathologic fractures, advanced osteoarthritis, and incomplete or poor-quality imaging data.

Participants are categorized into fracture-dislocation and non-dislocation groups according to predefined imaging criteria based on CT and MRI findings. The study assesses quantitative imaging parameters describing tibial plateau morphology, including measurements of posterolateral plateau depression and lateral plateau widening. MRI is used to evaluate associated soft-tissue injuries, including injuries of the lateral meniscus, anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, lateral collateral ligament, posterolateral corner structures, and bone contusions.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate imaging characteristics associated with fracture-dislocation and to investigate the relationship between tibial plateau fracture morphology and concomitant soft-tissue injuries. No study intervention is assigned, and all data are derived from retrospective review of existing clinical and imaging records obtained during routine clinical care.