Clinical effects of dynamic stabilization with far cortical locking system in the treatment of simple distal-third tibia fractures: A cohort study

Abstract

Background: Locked plating constructs provided rigid fixation and may suppress callus formation at the fracture site, while far cortical locking (FCL) constructs have been shown to reduce the stiffness, thereby promoting fracture healing. A few publications have demonstrated that FCL construct increased axial dynamization and improved fracture healing. However, it is unclear whether the FCL construct was superior over locked plating construct for treating simple tibia fractures. Thus, we aimed to compare the clinical effect of FCL construct and locked plating construct for these fracture types.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 18 patients treated with locked plating (control group) and 22 patients treated with the FCL construct (FCL group) from January 2016 to January 2018; the simple distal-third tibia fractures were included (AO/OTA classification: 42A1-A3 or 43A1). Patients were followed up regularly at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and data from clinical and radiological examinations were obtained. Patients’ demographics, operative time, time to radiological fracture union, time to full weight bearing, callus index, radiographic union score in tibia (RUST), and surgery-related complications were analyzed between the two groups.Results: The baseline patients’ demographics were similar between the two groups (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in of the operative time, time to radiological fracture union, or time to full weight bearing (P>0.05). However, the median callus index was 1.15 (IQR=1.08–1.25) in the FCL group and 1.09 (IQR=1.00–1.14) in the control group, showing a significant difference between the two groups (Z=-2.35, P<0.05), and the RUST was significantly higher at 2 months postoperatively (6.50±0.92 vs 7.59±1.37, P =0.006). Seven out of 18 patients in the control group and 2 out of 22 patients in the FCL group had no callus formation (callus index=1.0). All patients ultimately healed, and the complication rates were similar between the two groups.Conclusions : The FCL construct could promote fracture healing and was superior to locked bridge plating, as it did not lead to more surgery-related complications. Level of Evidence : Ⅲ, retrospective cohort study