TITLE:
Tibial Plateau Fractures in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Epidemiological, Injury-Related and Therapeutic Profile—A Multicenter Retrospective Study of 38 Cases
AUTHORS:
Kalunda Mutombo Junior, Sangwa Milindi Cedrick, Mukengeshayi Matadi Josue, Diumu Olenga Doudou, Kanunyangi Mukendi Maurice, Kadinekene Kapuku Joseph, Kalunda Mutombo Ezechiel, Albini Lomami Hugues, Mokassa Bakumubatané Luc
KEYWORDS:
Tibial Plateau Fracture, Schatzker Classification, Internal Fixation, Plate Fixation, Computed Tomography, Kinshasa
JOURNAL NAME:
Case Reports in Clinical Medicine,
Vol.15 No.11,
November
11,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Tibial plateau fractures are complex intra-articular injuries whose management depends on fracture morphology, soft-tissue condition, and the availability of diagnostic and therapeutic resources. This study aimed to describe their epidemiological, injury-related, therapeutic, and clinical characteristics in Kinshasa. Methods: A multicenter retrospective descriptive study was conducted from January 2022 to June 2026 in five hospitals in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Among 71 identified patients, 38 with usable data were included. Epidemiological, clinical, radiological, therapeutic, and follow-up data were reviewed. Fractures were classified according to the Schatzker classification. Results: The mean age was 45.5 years ± 15.3 years, and 57.9% of patients were male. Road traffic accidents accounted for 71.1% of injuries. Open fractures represented 18.4% of cases. Schatzker type II was the most frequent fracture pattern (34.2%). All patients underwent standard radiographs, whereas computed tomography was performed in only one patient (2.6%). Surgical treatment was performed in 94.7% of cases, mainly using plate fixation. Complications were documented in 28.9% of patients, with knee stiffness being the most frequent (21.1%). Long-term assessment was limited by a high proportion of patients lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Tibial plateau fractures managed in Kinshasa predominantly affect relatively young adults and are mainly related to road traffic injuries. Surgical treatment, particularly plate fixation, was commonly used. Limited access to computed tomography and insufficient long-term follow-up remain important challenges in the assessment and management of these injuries.