A comparative study of functional and radiological outcome in the management of distal tibia fractures treated by intra medullary nailing and minimally invasive locking plate

Abstract

Aim: To compare functional and radiological outcome in the management of distal tibia fractures treated by intra medullary nailing and minimally invasive locking plate. Material and Method: This perspective observational study was undertaken in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of SRMS-IMS, Bareilly for a period of 18 months from November 2019 to April 2021 among patients with DISTAL TIBIAL FRACTURE. According to the hospital record, 30 patients of similar condition were treated by intra medullary nailing or minimally invasive locking plate last year. The study participants were split into two groups: those who received intramedullary interlock nailing (Group 1) and those who received a minimally invasive locking plate (Group 2). All patients who underwent intramedullary nailing or minimally invasive plating were evaluated using the American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society score. Results: Mean duration of surgery (in min) was 64.19±7.91 and 72.36±6.23 in group 1 and 2 respectively. After 6 months, excellent radiological union was revealed among 50% and 56.25% of the subjects in group 1 and 2 respectively. When AOFAS score was compared using chi square test among group 1 and group 2 at 3 and 6 months, it was found to be statistically insignificant as p>0.05 in our study. Conclusion: Intramedullary nailing in distal tibial fractures allows for early mobilisation and is a simpler, less expensive and less complication-prone procedure. In cases where the fracture is very close to the ankle mortise and is associated with a greater rate of wound complications, plating is preferred.