Functional outcome of distal tibial fractures: Tibial nailing versus distal tibial locking plating

Abstract

Introduction: Distal tibial metaphyseal fracture is common but the treatment of choice is still controversial. Objectives: This study was performed to see the functional outcome and complication rates of distal metaphyseal fracture by both the methods at 1 year interval. Materials and Method: We have studied 40 patinets in civil hospital Ahmedabad from periods July 2015 to December 2017. The study was prospective and comparative for the methods used for management of the fracture. Results: Age range of the patients was 20-60 years. Most common mode of trauma in both the groups is road traffic accident. Associated fibula fracture was present in 18 (90%) participants in group 1 (nailing) and 17(85%) patients in group 2 (plating). Differences between two groups regarding duration of surgery is not significant. No significant intraoperative complications were noted in both groups. Time after which partial weight bearing and full weight bearing was started were significantly shorter in group-1 (p=0.005). The average time before union was 23.45 weeks (range, 16-36 weeks) in group 1 and 26 weeks (range,19-41 weeks), (p=0.09). Malalignment was found in 25% of patients in group 1 and 10% of patients in group 2. Angulation in group 1 was 3.4 degree (range, 0-12) and 1.0 degree (range, 0-9) in group2 (p=0.04). Conclusion:The overall results were comparable and most patients were satisfied with the results. These results indicate that both modalities of treatment deserve a place in treating distal metaphyseal fractures of tibia.