TREATMENT OF DISTAL TIBIA SHAFT FRACTURES: RESULTS OF INTRAMEDULLARY NAILS WITH UNIPLANAR DISTAL LOCKING, INTRAMEDULLARY NAILS WITH MULTIPLANAR DISTAL LOCKING AND MEDIAL LOCKING PLATES.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the treatment results of distal tibia shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nails with two different distal lockings and medial locking plates.

Patients and Method: Sixty-four patients with distal tibia fractures (4 to 11 cm proximal to the plafond) were operated with either unreamed intramedullary nails with medio-lateral distal locking (group A) or unreamed intra-medullary nails with both medio-lateral and antero-posterior lockings (group B), or medial locking plates (group C). There were 22 patients in group A, 22 patients in group B and 20 patients in group C. Mean age was 48.53±17.07 years. Mean follow-up was 26.68±7.02 months. At latest follow-up groups were compared for union time, malunion (defined as more than 5 degrees of angulation in any planes and/or any rotation and/or more than 5 milimeters of shortening), and delayed (lack of healing within 3 months) or nonunion (lack of healing within 6 months). Uninon was defined as healing of at least three of four cortices on AP and lateral radiographs.

Results: Mean union time was 17.45±4.22 weeks in group A, 16.71±4.90 weeks in group B and 15.73±3.26 weeks in group C. There was no significant difference between groups regarding union time. (p> 0.05) Malunion as defined was dedected in 4 patients in group A, in 4 patients in group B and in 1 patient in group C. There was no significant difference between groups regarding malunion rates. (p> 0.05). Delayed or non union was dedected in 6 patients in group A, in 5 patients in group B and in 1 patient in group C. There was no significant difference between groups regarding delayed or non-union. (p> 0.05). Two nonunions in group A and one nonunion in group B had to be treated with exchance reamed nailing. One infected nonunion in group C had to be treated with circular external fixation.

Conclusions: The results of surgical treatment of distal tibia fractures are similar with these three diifferent methods. Although malunion and delayed or nonunion rates are lower with medial locking plates, this is not significant.