Functional evaluation of distal third tibial fracture osteosynthesis with fix heal TM distal tibial locking plate: An observational study

Abstract

Background: Fractures around the distal third tibia are one of the challenging problems faced by orthopaedic surgeons owing to associated conditions such as disruption of syndesmosis, fibula fractures, articular extensions, ankle joint dislocations, and compromised soft tissue envelope. The present study is a functional evaluation of the results of the fixHEAL™ locking compression plate for distal tibia fractures.Materials and Methods: We conducted a single-centre study through our post-market surveillance project including data for 56 patients with distal third tibial fractures operated from August 2019- November 2021 was collected. The patient's pre-operative clinical and radiographic examination findings were noted. Orthopaedic procedures were performed by a single surgeon aptly skilled and experienced to handle complex orthopaedic trauma. The functional outcome was assessed by Olerud-Molander functional evaluation score (OMFES). Clinical assessment of bony union and complications in the perioperative and postoperative period was also considered.Results: Radiographic union was observed in all cases by 6 months, except 2 cases where secondary surgery was done to achieve bony union. Conclusion: Functional outcome is influenced by the fracture geometry, co-morbidities, associated soft tissue injury and perioperative complications. Excellent soft tissue handling during surgery and management of associated injuries is a prerequisite for satisfactory results.