Comparison of clinical, radiological, and functional outcome of closed fracture of distal third tibia treated with nailing and plate osteosynthesis

Abstract

Aim: This is a prospective study of 30 patients with distal tibia fracture (Closed extra-articular distalthird tibia fractures - 4 to 11cm from tibial plafond) who underwent surgical fixation were included inthis study after excluding compound, pathological and pediatric fractures. Materials and Methods:15 underwent closed intramedullary interlocking nail and 15 were treated with plate osteosynthesis(MIPO). Results: The age distribution ranged from 23 to 68 years with the mean age of 39.4 years.The mode of injury in all patients was due to vehicle accidents. All 30 patients were classifiedaccording to AO classification of which 15 belonged to A1, 14 belonged to A2, and 1 belonged to A3.The time of fixation from injury varied from 6 hours to 18 days. Conclusion: Plate osteosynthesisby minimally invasive technique and Intramedullary interlocking nailing is an equally effectivemethod of stabilization for distal tibia fracture when considering the union rates and final functionaloutcome. However, malunion, nonunion and secondary procedures were more frequent afterintramedullary interlocking nail. In MIPO platting Infection followed by an exposed plate occurs in 2patients. Randomized prospective evaluation of distal tibia fractures may clarify the efficacy of plateversus nail treatment and optimize patient care.