Comparison of tibial nailing by suprapatellar approach with a normal bend nail vs infrapatellar approach with a high tibial bend nail

Abstract

Background Fractures of Diaphysis of tibia are among the most common diaphyseal fractures, with a bimodal age distribution. These are also notorious for going into delyed or non union, the preferred mode of fixation for these is the Intramedulllary nailing. We have compared the two approaches of the same, the supraptellar as well as infrapatellar approach. Methods Patients were divided into 2 groups, randomly, one group undergoing tibial diaphyseal intramedullary nailing via the conventional infrapatellar approach and the other undergoing via the suprapatellar approach. Post operative knee function was assessed using TegnerLysholm Scale. Results Mean TegnerLysholm knee score was 84.80 ±9.829 and 87.07±11.10 in infrapatellar and suprapatellar group respectively. When mean Tegner Lysholm knee score was compared in suprapatellar group and infrapatellar group using t test, it was found to be statistically insignificant. Conclusions we conclude that there was no difference in tibial fracture healing, alignment, knee pain and functional disability. Key Words : Suprapatellar, Infrapatellar, Tegner Lysholm, Intramedullary, Nailing.