Treatment of distal tibial fractures with ultra-distal tibial intramedullary nails combined with blocking screws

Abstract

Objective To determine the surgical procedures and effects of ultra-distal tibial intramedullary nails combined with blocking screws in treatment of distal tibial fractures.Methods From April 2008 to September 2012,21 cases of distal tibial fractures were treated with ultra-distal tibial intramedullary nails combined blocking screws.All fractures were statically locked and closed using undreamed technique.For relatively simple fracture,blocking screws were considered when the reduction and stability was not satisfied after the insertion of intramedullary nails; for severe comminuted fractures,blocking screws were inserted directly under C-arm fluoroscopy.Partial weight-bearing was permitted 3 weeks after surgery.Quality of reduction,fracture union,and function assessment were measured at follow-up.Results No skin necrosis and soft tissue and bone infections occurred after a mean follow-up of 17.5 months (range,12-22 months).All fractures were healed with an average healing time of 12 months (range,8-26 months).X-ray findings revealed the fracture of ＜ 5° angulation on coronal and sagittal planes.There was no deformation or breakage of blocking screws and intramedullary nails.According to the criteria of Tormetta,the results were excellent in 19 cases and good in 2.Conclusion Blocking screws assists reduction and improve the fixation stability by narrowing the canal in treatment of distal tibial fractures and expands the application of intramedullary nails. Key words: Tibial fractures ; Fracture fixation, internal; Intramedullary nail