DISTAL TIBIA FRACTURE MANAGED BY EXPERT TIBIA NAIL: POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Distal tibial fractures present a significant challenge in orthopaedic surgery due to their complex nature and the risk of complications. Expert tibia nails (ETN) have emerged as a potential solution for improving functional outcomes and reducing complications in these fractures. Objective: To assess the complications and functional consequences of using expert tibia nails (ETN) in patients with distal tibial fractures. Methods: This prospective study included thirty patients with distal tibial fractures treated using expert tibia nails (ETN). The study was conducted from January 2023 to June 2023 at department of orthopedic surgery, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. Functional outcomes were assessed using a standardised scoring system, and complications were monitored. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics to summarise the data. Results: The mean age of the patients was 44.80 ± 9.50 years. The functional outcome was excellent in 21 patients (70%), good in 7 patients (23.3%), and fair in 2 patients (6.7%). Complications observed included malunion in 2 patients (6.7%), nonunion in 1 patient (3.3%), and infection in 3 patients (10%). Conclusion: The use of expert tibia nails (ETN) in treating distal tibial fractures resulted in excellent to good functional outcomes in most patients. The rates of complications such as malunion, nonunion, and infection were relatively low, indicating that ETN is a reliable method for managing distal tibial fractures.