In all injuries to the<unk><unk>  radiographs (commonly called x-rays) are imperative. Computed tomography scans are not always necessary but are sometimes critical for evaluating degree of<unk>  and determining a treatment plan that would not be possible with plain radiographs. Magnetic Resonance images are the diagnostic modality of choice when meniscal, ligamentous and soft tissue injuries are suspected. CT angiography should be considered if there is alteration of the distal pulses or concern about arterial injury. File:Lipohemarthrosis.Lipohemarthrosis (presence of fat and blood from bone marrow in the joint space after an intraarticular<unk>  seen on X-ray in a person with a subtle<unk>  File:LipohemarthrosisCTMark.Lipohemarthrosis due to a<unk>  File:TibPlatFracMark.3D reconstruction of a CT image of a<unk>  File:TibPlatFracPlainMark.Subtle<unk>  on an AP X ray of the knee File:LipohemarthrosisMark.Lipohemarthrosis due to a<unk>  File:TibPlateauF.A<unk>  seen on X-ray Classification Physicians use classification types to assess the degree of injury, treatment plan and predict prognosis. Multiple classifications of<unk> s have been developed. Currently, the Schatzker classification system is the most widely accepted and used. It is composed of six condyle<unk>  types classified by<unk>  pattern and fragment anatomy. Each increasing numeric<unk>  type denotes increasing severity. The severity correlates with the amount of energy imparted to the bone at the time of injury and prognosis. Schatzker classification for<unk> : * Type I = Lateral<unk>  without depression. This is a wedge-shaped pure cleavage<unk>  and involves a vertical split of the lateral<unk><unk> . It is usually the result of a low energy injury in young individuals with normal mineralization. May be caused by a valgus force combined with axial loading that leads to the lateral femoral condyle being driven into the articular surface of the<unk><unk> . Represent 6% of all<unk> s. * Type II = Lateral<unk>  with depression, This is a combined cleavage and compression<unk>  and involves vertical split of the lateral condyle combined with depression of the adjacent load bearing part of the condyle. Caused by a valgus force on the knee; it is a low energy injury, typically seen in individuals of the 4th decade or older with osteoporotic changes in bone. Most common, and make up 75% of all<unk> s. There is a 20% risk of distraction injuries to the medial collateral ligament. May include distraction injury to the medial collateral ligament or anterior cruciate ligament. Lateral<unk>  XRay with Depression * Type III: Focal depression of articular surface with no associated split. This is a pure compression<unk>  of the lateral or central<unk><unk>  in which the articular surface of the<unk><unk>  is depressed and driven into the lateral<unk>  metaphysis by axial forces.3 A low energy injury, these<unk> s are more frequent in the 4th and 5th decades of life and individuals with osteoporotic changes in bone. They are extremely rare. Can be further divided into two subtypes: IIIA Compression<unk>  of the lateral<unk><unk>  IIIB Compression<unk>  of the central<unk><unk>  May result in joint instability. * Type IV = Medial<unk> , with or without depression; may involve<unk>  spines; associated soft tissue injuries. This is a medial<unk>  with a split or depressed component. It is usually the result of a high energy injury and involves a varus force with axial loading at the knee. Represent 10% of all<unk> s. There is high risk of damage to the popliteal artery and peroneal nerve and therefore carry a worse prognosis. May include distraction injuries to lateral collateral ligament, fibular dislocation/fracture, posterolateral corner. * Type V = Bicondylar<unk> , Consists of a split<unk>  of the medial and lateral<unk><unk> . It is usually the result of a high energy injury with complex varus and valgus forces acting upon the<unk><unk> . May include injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament and collateral ligaments. Make up 3% of all<unk> s. * Type VI =<unk>  with diaphyseal discontinuity Main feature of this type of<unk>  is a transverse subcondylar<unk>  with dissociation of the metaphysis from the diaphysis. The<unk>  pattern of the condyles is variable and all types of<unk> s can occur. This is a high energy injury with a complex mechanism that includes varus and valgus forces. Up to 33% of these<unk> s may be open, often with extensive soft tissue injuries and risk of compartment syndrome. Represents 20% of all<unk> s.
Tibial plateau fracture
Patella fracture
Humerus fracture
Anterior cruciate ligament injury
Trimalleolar fracture
Crus fracture
Jefferson fracture
Elbow fracture