Relative Incidence of Proximal Fibula Fractures with Tibial Plateau Fractures: An Investigation of 354 Cases

Abstract We aimed to investigate the incidence of proximal fibula fractures in patients with tibial plateau fractures and to identify risk factors for such combined injuries. From January 2011 to December 2015, 354 patients with tibial plateau fractures who had been admitted to a level 1 trauma center were retrospectively evaluated by an orthopaedic trauma surgeon and two skeletal radiologists. Anteroposterior plain radiography and computed tomography (CT) were used to characterize the injuries, and the incidence of associated proximal fibula fractures was determined. The tibial plateau fractures were classified according to the Schatzker's and three-column classifications. Associated proximal fibula fractures were simultaneously classified with a new fibula fracture classification system. Finally, we determined whether there were statistically significant associations between the presence of a proximal fibula fracture and different types of tibial plateau fractures, as well as sex and age. Proximal fibula fractures were detected in 192 (54.24%) patients using plain radiography and in 215 (60.73%) patients using CT. Logistic regression analysis indicated an increasing trend in the incidence of fibula fractures detected by the CT-based three-column classification system as follows: “age × sex > three columns > age > single posterior column > lateral column + posterior column > medial column + posterior column > medial column + lateral column > single lateral column > single medial column.” Proximal fibula fracture associated with tibial plateau fracture is a common phenomenon worthy of attention. In women, age increases the likelihood of complex tibial plateau fractures, particularly those involving the posterolateral articular surface and diaphysis, as well as the likelihood of developing proximal fibula fractures. This s Level IV diagnostic study.