Ankle-Brachial Index Is an Effective Screening Tool for Vascular Injury in Schatzker Type-4 to 6 Tibial Plateau Fractures with Symmetric Pulses

Schatzker type-4 to 6 tibial plateau fractures most commonly occur when the distal femur is driven through the proximal tibial articular surface. This mechanism of injury can be equivalent to a knee dislocation and carries an increased risk of vascular injury. Our institution screens all Schatzker type-4 to 6 tibial plateau fractures with symmetric pulses for a vascular injury by measuring the ankle-brachial index (ABI). The purpose of this study was to describe our screening protocol and to determine its effectiveness at identifying vascular injuries.