To study outcome in patients of extra articular distal tibia fractures managed with interlocking nail

Abstract

As surface of tibia is subcutaneous along most of its length and its vascular supply of tibia is perilous compared to any other bone surrounded by heavy muscles? These type of fracture are often associated with compartment syndrome or neuro-vascular injuries. As there is existence of hinge joint at the knee and the ankle that permits no adjustment for rotational deformity after fracture, distinctive care is being required during reduction of these type of fractures to correct such deformity. The problems associated with fixation of distal tibia fractures include local and deep infections, local implant irritation, knee pain, stiffness of ankle, transient peroneal nerve palsy, malalignment and subsequent malunion and non-unionThis study deals with the ability to maintain a mechanically stable reduction in extraarticular distal one third tibia fractures managed with intramedullary nailing.Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based prospective study on the outcome in 20 patients of extra articular distal one-third tibia fractures, who will be admitted in the Department of Orthopaedics of Muzaffarnagar Medical College, Muzaffarnagar over a period of 18 months.Results: Mean age of patients was 39.05 years (18-80). Fracture union was seen radiologically within 3 to 6 months depending upon the pattern of fracture.Conclusion: We conclude that fractures of extraarticular distal one-third tibia with or without associated fractures of fibula managed with closed intramedullary nailing had least number of complications, allows early partial weight bearing and 95% of the patients achieved union by the end of 6 months. Thorough planning and placement of the nail at the center of a wide metaphysis in anteroposterior and lateral view is essential to overcome varus, valgus and posterior tilt.