13C3   Complete and multifragmentary articular fracture

This fracture type is classified by the AO/OTA as 13C3. The metaphyseal component may be one of the following types (left to right in illustration):

• Simple fracture (13C3.1), proximal (s) or distal (t) to transcondylar axis
• Wedge fracture (13C3.2), lateral (f) or medial (h), intact (u) or fragmentary (l)
• Multifragmentary fracture (13C3.3)

All three sides of the triangle of stability are broken.

This x-ray shows a fracture with a simple low transverse lateral column fracture and a vertical wedge of the medial column (13C3.2[h,l]).

Images taken from Orozco R, et al. (1998) Atlas of Internal Fixation. Used with kind permission.

Lateral view of the same case