Madhuchandra R1, Chandrashekhar Mudgal2, Sandeep3, Amol Shivaji Chavan4
BACKGROUND
Distal tibial fracture often present a challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon. The best option for surgical management of distal tibial fracture is still unclear, whether nail or plate.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study consists of 24 patients of distal tibial fracture treated either with reamed intramedullary nails or locked plating/MIPPO with open reduction method or minimally-invasive techniques.
RESULTS
24 patients included in the present study were divided into two groups as nailing group A and plating group B. Nailing group included 12 patients and plating group included 12. Age range of patients was 21-62 years. Most common mode of trauma in both groups as RTA followed by accidental fall in 2 cases. The average time for union and weightbearing was 19 weeks in group A and 20.08 weeks in group B. Complications like malalignment, more surgical time were seen in group A and surgical site infection, skin necrosis, prolonged immobilisation were seen in group B.
CONCLUSION
Both IM nailing and plating are optional methods of treatment. Intramedullary nailing in distal tibial fractures result in early mobilisation is an easier technique, more economical and has fewer complications rate. Plating is preferred in cases where fracture is very close to ankle mortise and associate with higher rate of wound complications.
