The aim of this study is to compare distal tibial fractures (4-10 cm proximal to the plafond) treated by intramedullary nailing with those treated by percutaneous locked plating and to assess the clinical and radiographic results, complication rates, and the need for secondary procedures. Thirty-six patients received percutaneous locked plate treatment and 25 patients received intramedullary nail treatment. The results obtained from these two treatment methods were assessed by comparing infection rates, starting time for wight-bearing, local implant irritation, union and malunion rates and along with secondary procedures. In the percutaneous locked plate group, two deep infections, four superficial infections, two nonunions, one malunion and 10 local implant irritations were observed. In the intramedullary nail group, one nonunion, four malunions and two local implant irritations were observed. The incidence of deep and superficial infections, local implant irritations and secondary procedures in the percutaneous locked plate group was greater than those in the intramedullary nail group. The time to full weight bearing was shorter in the intramedullary nail group. There was no significant statistical difference in malunion and nonunion rates between the two groups. The need for secondary procedures was more common in group receiving the percutaneous locked plate treatment and the time to full weight bearing was shorter in the intramedullary nail group.
Anatomic locking plate combined with suture endo-button for CC ligament reinforcement is a reliable method to achieve osteosynthesis and stabilization for Neer Type IIb distal clavicle fractures without compromising physiology of shoulder.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.