A study of functional outcome of management of segmental fracture of tibia

Abstract

Aim of the Study: To evaluate the Functional and Radiological outcome following various modalities of management of segmental fractures of tibia.Background: Segmental fracture of tibia is rare accounting for 3-15% of fractures of tibia. It is characterized by distinct fracture at two or more levels creating one or more completely separate intercalary fragments of tibia.Materials and Methods: The data for this study will be collected from the patient admitted to Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Annamalai University, Chidambaram. This study is a prospective and retrospective study.45 cases of segmental tibia surgically treated are followed up for a minimum period of twelve months and functional outcome observed by Johner and wruch’s criteria.Results: In study group 45 cases treated 39 were male and 6 were female. RTA was the most common cause. Right side limb more affected than left side. Common age group affected were 40-60 years. 26 were closed injury and 19 were open injury.32 cases were treated with IMIN nailing, external fixator in 6 cases, MIPO in 5 cases, illizarov in 2 cases. The final outcome based on johner and wruch’s criteria is excellent in 75.6%, good in 15.6%, fair in 6.7%, and poor in 2.2%. Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that if soft-tissue handling and restoration of anatomical alignment are successful in the treatment of challenging segmental tibial fractures, both IMN and MIPO will be good treatment methods. But in reality study/research lack in definitely proving the superiority of one over the other.