Fractures of the distal tibia: minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis

Unstable fractures of the distal tibia that are not suitable for intramedullary nailing are commonly treated by open reduction and internal fixation and/or external fixation, or treated non-operatively. Treatment of these injuries using minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) techniques may minimise soft tissue injury and damage to the vascular integrity of the fracture fragments. We report the results of 20 patients treated by MIPO for closed fractures of the distal tibia. Their mean age was 38.3 years (range: 17-71 years). Fractures were classified according to the AO system, and intra-articular extensions according to Rüedi and Allg?wer. The mean time to full weight-bearing was 12 weeks (range: 8-20 weeks) and to union was 23 weeks (range: 18-29 weeks), without need for further surgery. There was one malunion, no deep infections and no failures of fixation. MIPO is an effective treatment for closed, unstable fractures of the distal tibia, avoiding the complications associated with more traditional methods of internal fixation and/or external fixation.     

Intramedullary nailing versus external fixation in Gustilo type III open tibial shaft fractures: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Open tibial shaft fractures are the most common of long-bone open fractures. Management of the fracture is either by intramedullary nailing (IMN) or by external fixation (EF). Since the literature does not indicate clearly which is more effective, a meta-analysis was conducted to establish which approach is more suitable to treat Gustilo type III fractures. MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCT) describing IMN and EF treatment of Gustilo type III fractures. As of 15 November 2012, five RCT involving 239 patients had been published; the outcomes examined in this study are their surgical complications. Data analysis led complications to be grouped into infection, fracture healing problems (non-union, malunion) and “other complications” (vascular injury, revision surgery, soft tissue damage, mechanical failure and tibial malalignment). IMN was associated with lower rates of infection and fracture healing problems; the differences between the two approaches for “other complications” were not significant. The data indicate that IMN is the treatment of choice for Gustilo type III fractures.     

Open distal tibial shaft fractures: a retrospective comparison of medial plate versus nail fixation

Purpose

Studies comparing open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) vs. intramedullary nailing (IMN) for distal tibia shaft fractures focus upon closed injuries containing small patient series with open fractures. As such, complication rates for open fractures are unknown. To characterize complications associated with ORIF vs. IMN, we compared complications based on surgical approach in a large patient series of open distal tibia shaft fractures.

Methods

Through retrospective analysis at an urban level I trauma center, 180 IMN and 36 ORIF patients with open distal tibia fractures from 2002 to 2012 were evaluated. Patient charts were reviewed to identify patient demographics, fracture grade (G), patient comorbidities, and postoperative complications including nonunion, malunion, infection, hardware-related pain, and wound dehiscence. Fisher’s exact tests compared complications between ORIF and IMN groups. Multivariate regression identified risk factors with statistical significance for the development of a postoperative complication.

Results

One hundred and eighty IMN (G1 22, G2 79, and G3 79) and 36 ORIF (G1 10, G2 16, and G3 10) patients were included for analysis. ORIF patients had a higher rate of nonunion (25.0 %, n = 9) compared with IMN patients (10.6 %, n = 20, p = 0.03). No additional complication had a significant statistical difference between groups. Multivariable analysis shows only surgical method influenced the development of complications: ORIF patients had 2.52 greater odds of developing complications compared with IMN patients (95 % CI 1.05–6.02; p = 0.04).

Conclusions

ORIF leads to higher rates of nonunion and significantly increases the odds of developing a complication compared with IMN for open distal tibia fractures. This is the first study investigating complication rates based on surgical approach in a large cohort of patients with exclusively open distal tibia fractures.

     

髓内钉与经皮锁定钢板治疗胫骨中下段骨折临床疗效分析

目的比较髓内钉（IMN）与经皮锁定钢板（MIPPO）治疗胫骨中下段骨折的临床疗效。 方法回顾性分析2016年1月至2019年12月江苏省苏州高新区人民医院应用IMN与MIPPO两种手术方式治疗的胫骨中下段骨折患者共60例,其中IMN组30例,男性19例,女性11例;MIPPO组30例,男性21例,女性9例,比较两组患者在性别、年龄、受伤类型、OTA分型、受伤原因、是否合并开放性骨折、是否合并腓骨骨折、随访时间、术前等待时间、胫骨手术时间、胫骨术中透视次数、胫骨手术出血量、骨愈合时间、住院时间、手术并发症、术后Johner-Wruhs评分等方面的差异。 结果60例患者均获随访,随访时间12～26个月。与MIPPO组比较,IMN组术前等待时间、住院时间短,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;两组胫骨手术时间、术中透视次数、手术出血量、骨愈合时间、Johner-Wruhs评分结果比较差异无统计学意义;髌前痛、软组织激惹、力线不良、骨不连、骨延迟愈合等并发症比较差异无统计学意义;伤口并发症发生率比较,IMN组低于MIPPO组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论IMN与MIPPO两种固定方法均是治疗胫骨中下段骨折的有效方法。IMN内固定对皮肤软组织干扰小,更加适合用于局部软组织条件不良者。     

带锁髓内钉与锁定加压钢板内固定治疗肱骨干骨折的随机对比研究

目的前瞻性对比研究带锁髓内钉和带锁加压钢板(LCP)治疗肱骨干骨折的临床效果。方法随机将49例分成两组(髓内钉28例;LCP组21例)。患者全部为新鲜肱骨干骨折,骨折部位距肱骨外科颈至少3cm,距尺骨鹰嘴大于5cm。临床疗效评价包括手术时间、出血量、骨折愈合情况、桡神经恢复、感染和肘关节、肩关节不适症状,影像学评价包括骨折力线、愈合时间、延长愈合和不愈合的发生率。结果平均随访1.5年。LCP组19例(90.5)骨折在16周后愈合,髓内钉组24例(85.7)在16周后愈合(P=0.70)。肩关节疼痛和肩关节活动受限在髓内钉组发生明显(P<0.05),而LCP组未发现这种情况。LCP组肘关节的活动范围明显减少(P<0.05),尤其是肱骨干远端1/3骨折患者。两组总并发症发生率比较无明显差异。结论对于需要手术治疗的肱骨干骨折,髓内钉和LCP都能使骨折稳定以达到最终愈合。     

交锁髓内钉和经皮钢板固定治疗胫骨远端干骺端骨折的疗效比较

目的 比较交锁髓内钉和经皮钢板固定治疗胫骨远端干骺端骨折的疗效。方法 回顾性分析2004年5月～2005年8月采用交锁髓内钉或经皮钢板固定的51例胫骨远端干骺端骨折的治疗效果，根据内固定方式分成髓内钉组（n=27）和钢板组（n=24），比较两组的手术时间，出血量，透视次数，骨折愈合时间，踝关节前后向、内外翻成角，踝关节最大背伸度及并发症，并采用Olerud-Molander踝关节评分评价结果。结果 所有患者获得12—27个月（21．2个月）随访，两组患者在手术时间、透视次数、踝关节最大背伸度方面差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。所有骨折均获得愈合，平均愈合时间髓内钉组为20．0周，钢板组为18．6周。Olerud-Molander踝关节评分结果均为优良。髓内钉组具有较少的手术出血量，钢板组具有更好的骨折对线；髓内钉组有5例发生畸形愈合，钢板组有4例发生局部软组织并发症。结论 对于胫骨远端骨折，交锁髓内钉和经皮钢板固定都是有效的固定方式，经皮钢板能够提供更好的骨折端稳定性，而交锁髓内钉有利于处理伴有局部软组织损伤的骨折。     

Radiographic and clinical comparisons of distal tibia shaft fractures (4 to 11 cm proximal to the plafond): plating versus intramedullary nailing

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to review distal tibia shaft fractures treated with a plate or a nail and to assess the clinical and radiographic results, complication rates, and the need for secondary procedures. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Two Level I trauma centers. PATIENT/PARTICIPANTS: We retrospectively reviewed 111 patients with 113 extra-articular distal tibia fractures between 4 and 11 cm proximal to the plafond. Seventy-six were treated with an intramedullary nail and 37 were treated with a medial plate. Twenty-nine (27%) of the concomitant fibula fractures were fixed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Complications and secondary procedures were evaluated in 111 patients after a mean of 24 months (range, 12-84 months). RESULTS: A total of 111 patients with 113 fractures of the distal tibia were reviewed. Their mean age was 39.1 years, 69% were men, and 30% had open fractures. Four patients underwent additional procedures for soft tissue coverage. None of these had infection. Five patients (4.4%) developed osteomyelitis: four after intramedullary nailing (5.3%) and one after plating (2.7%). Nine patients (12%) had delayed union or nonunion after nailing. One patient (2.7%) had a nonunion after plating (P = 0.10). Nonunion was more common after concurrent fixation of the fibula (14% versus 2.6%, P = 0.04). Angular malalignment of > or =5 degrees occurred in 22 patients with nails (29%) and 2 with plates (5.4%, P = 0.003). Eight patients had malunions of > or =10 degrees. Valgus was the most common deformity (n = 16). Malunion was more common after open fracture (38%, P = 0.006) but was not related to fibula fixation. Painful hardware was removed in six patients (7.9%) with nails and in two patients (5.4%) with plates. CONCLUSIONS: Distal tibia fractures may be treated successfully with plates or nails. Delayed union, malunion, and secondary procedures were more frequent after nailing. Randomized prospective assessment may further clarify these issues and provide information about costs associated with these fractures.     

Treatment of distal tibia fractures without articular involvement: a systematic review of 1125 fractures

BACKGROUND: The management of unstable distal tibia fractures remains challenging. The mechanism of injury and the prognosis of these fractures are different from pilon fractures, but their proximity to the ankle makes the surgical treatment more complicated than the treatment tibial midshaft fractures. A variety of treatment methods have been suggested for these injuries, including nonoperative treatment, external fixation, intramedullary nailing, and plate fixation. However, each of these treatment options is associated with certain challenges. Nonoperative treatment may be complicated by loss of reduction and subsequent malunion. Similarly, external fixation of distal tibia fractures may result in insufficient reduction, malunion, and pin tract infection. Intramedullary nailing can be considered the "gold standard" for the treatment of tibial midshaft fractures, but there are concerns about their use in distal tibia fractures. This is because of technical difficulties with distal nail fixation, the risk of nail propagation into the ankle joint, and the discrepancy between the diaphyseal and metaphyseal diameter of the intramedullary canal. Open reduction and internal plate fixation results in extensive soft tissue dissection and may be associated with wound complications and infections. The optimal treatment of unstable distal tibia without articular involvement remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to review the outcomes of different treatment methods for extra-articular distal tibia fractures. The English literature was systematically reviewed and the rates of malunion, nonunion, infection, fixation failure, and secondary surgical procedures were extracted.     

Comparison between intramedullary nailing and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for tibial shaft fractures

IntroductionIntramedullary nailing (IMN) is currently considered the gold standard in the surgical treatment of tibial shaft fractures in adult patients. In this case-control comparative study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and IMN in treating tibial shaft fractures.Materials and methodsThe clinical and radiological outcomes, such as a modified trauma scale, operation time, fracture healing, rate of re-operation, and complications such as malunion, nonunion, shortening, and infection were assessed between IMN and MIPO for the treatment of tibial shaft fractures.ResultsSeventy-three skeletally mature patients who underwent IMN (group I) or MIPO (group M) for a closed extra-articular tibial shaft fracture (AO/OTA type 42) from June 2010 to May 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age was 51.16 (18~79) years, and the mean follow-up period was 22 (12~50) months. Bony union was achieved in all cases but one for each group - group I (35 cases) and group M (36 cases) (p > 0.05). Mean callus formation was observed in 12 (8 – 16) weeks in both groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in operative time, hospital stay, bone healing, and the rate of complications among the two groups (p > 0.05). There was also no postoperative difference in functional evaluation between the two methods (p > 0.05).ConclusionsNo discrepancy was found in radiological and clinical outcomes between IMN and MIPO for tibial shaft fractures. It can be concluded that both IMN and MIPO are equally effective treatment modalities for tibial shaft fractures.     

Treating multifocal humerus fractures: A comparison between the mipo technique and intramedullary nailing

Introduction and objectiveProximal humerus fractures with metaphysodiaphyseal extension represent a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon due to their reduced incidence and the difficulty in the treatment decision. These can be treated with an intramedullary nail or using the MIPO technique, associating different advantages and complications depending on the procedure. The objective of this study was to compare metaphyseal-diaphyseal fractures of the humerus treated with antegrade intramedullary nailing and those operated using the MIPO technique to see if there were significant differences in terms of functional, clinical, and radiological results.Material and methodsretrospective, analytical and unicentric review of 29 patients with proximal fracture with metaphyseal-diaphyseal extension treated by MIPO technique and 33 patients surgically treated by antegrade intramedullary nailing (IMN) in our hospital from 2014 to 2020. Demographic, functional, radiographic and clinical data were obtained..ResultsNo significant differences were observed between both groups in terms of fracture mechanism (p=0.34), fracture type (p=0.13) or Maresca classification (p=0.32). Surgical time was significantly shorter in the IMN group compared to the MIPO technique (p=0.014). No significant difference was observed regarding the need for blood transfusion (p=0.32). The mean consolidation in the MIPO group was 21 weeks compared to 21 weeks in the IMN, with no significant differences between both groups (p= 0.88). No significant differences were observed between CONSTANT test at one year in the MIPO group versus the IMN group (p=0.79), nor in radial nerve palsies (p=0.28).ConclusionsProximal fractures with metaphyseal-diaphyseal extension are a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon due to the infrequency, the complexity of these fractures and the fact that there is no established consensus on the ideal treatment for this type of injury. Both the MIPO technique with the Philos plate and the intramedullary nail are valid options for the treatment of these fractures, with no differences observed in terms of fracture consolidation time or in terms of functional results.     

应用微创经皮接骨板内固定技术与带锁髓内钉治疗开放性C2型胫骨骨折的临床疗效比较

背景：胫骨开放性骨折在临床上比较常见,并发症多、治疗困难,采取何种治疗方法,尤其是内固定方法,目前尚无统一认识。目的：探讨应用微创经皮接骨板内固定技术（MIPPO）与带锁髓内钉（IMN）治疗开放性C2型胫骨骨折的临床疗效。方法：2010年1月至2013年12月,选择性应用MIPPO和IMN技术治疗开放性C2型胫骨骨折89例,其中应用MIPPO治疗52例,应用IMN治疗37例,观察两组患者的手术时间、骨折临床愈合时间、术后并发症,采用Johner-Wruh胫骨骨折疗效评估标准评估患肢功能,评定应用MIPPO和IMN技术治疗开放性C2型胫骨骨折的临床疗效。结果：所有患者均获得随访,随访时间为11~34个月,平均23.4个月。MIPPO组和IMN组的平均手术时间为71 min和65 min;平均愈合时间为（34.6±8.3）周和（32.1±9.6）周。MIPPO组出现2例感染、1例成角畸形、1例延迟愈合、1例不愈合;IMN组出现1例感染、1例旋转畸形、1例不愈合,两组术后并发症总发生率比较无统计学差异（P〉0.05）。结论：MIPPO和IMN技术是治疗开放性C2型胫骨骨折的两种理想方法。     

扩髓与非扩髓髓内钉固定术治疗成人股骨干骨折的系统评价

目的对扩髓与非扩髓的髓内钉固定术治疗成人股骨干骨折的疗效进行评价。方法按照Cochrane系统评价的方法，计算机检索Medline（1966年至2004年9月）、Embase（1966年至2004年9月）、Cochrane图书馆（2004年第三期）及中国生物医学数据库（1979年至2004年9月），并采用手工检索等方法收集会议文献。文献检索无语种限制。收集所有相关随机对照试验，采用Cochrane协作网提供的软件Revman4．2．3进行Meta分析，以获得扩髓与非扩髓的髓内钉固定术治疗成人股骨干骨折的疗效及其安全性是否有差异的相关证据。结果经全面检索及筛查后，共纳入5个随机对照试验进行评价。Meta分析表明，扩髓髓内钉固定能降低成人股骨干骨折的不愈合率[RR=O．38，95％置信区间（0．17，0．88），P=0．02]、内固定失效率[RR=0．45，95％置信区间（0．21，1．00，P=0．05]和减少骨折愈合时间[WMD=-10．90，95％置信区间（-18．16，-3．64），P=0．003]。结论与非扩髓髓内钉固定相比，扩髓固定能降低成人股骨干骨折的不愈合率。但扩髓与否与内固定失效率、骨折愈合时间、肺部并发症、感染等的关系，以及骨折开放与否、是否合并多发伤及骨折的部位等对上述指标的影响有待于进一步研究。     

Early unreamed intramedullary nailing without a safety interval and simultaneous flap coverage following external fixation in type IIIB open tibial fractures: a report of four successful cases

The conversion method from external fixation (EF) to intramedullary nailing (IMN) for open tibia fractures, especially to Gustilo type IIIB open tibia fractures, have potentially high risk of infections. We document a report of a more progressive approach in four consecutive cases of type IIIB open tibial fractures successfully managed with early unreamed IMN without a safety interval and simultaneous flap coverage following EF. The mean patients age at the time of injury was 43.8 years (range 23-64 years), and three patients were male. The timing from EF to IMN without safety interval combined with well-vascularised flap (free latissimus dorsi flaps in two patients and pedicled soleus flaps in two patients) ranged 48 to 72 hours. Average time to union was 14 months (range 9-21 months). There was one nonunion patient whose fracture healing was gained by reamed IMN without bone grafting. However, there were no infections. The functions in all patients were satisfactory. This early unreamed IMN without a safety interval and with simultaneous flap coverage following EF is a useful and effective option for treating type IIIB open tibial fractures.     

Randomized prospective study of humeral shaft fracture fixation: intramedullary nails versus plates

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical and radiographic results for locked intramedullary (IM) nails and plates used in the treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures. DESIGN: Prospective randomization by sealed-envelope technique of eighty-four patients into two study groups: those treated by intramedullary nailing (IMN group; n = 38) and those treated by compression plating (PLT group; n = 46). SETTING: Patients admitted consecutively to a university-affiliated Level I trauma center. PATIENT/PARTICIPANTS: All skeletally mature patients admitted to Harborview Medical Center with acute humeral shaft fractures requiring surgical stabilization. Fractures of the diaphysis were defined as being at least three centimeters distal to the surgical neck and at least five centimeters proximal to the olecranon fossa. INTERVENTION: Treatment with locking antegrade intramedullary humeral nails (Russell-Taylor design [Smith and Nephew Richards]) or with 4.5-millimeter dynamic compression and limited contact dynamic compression plates (AO design [Synthes]). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Clinical outcome measurements included fracture healing, radial nerve recovery, infection, and elbow and shoulder discomfort. Radiographic measurements included fracture alignment, time to healing, delayed union, and nonunion. RESULTS: Follow-up averaged thirteen months. Forty-two fractures (93 percent) in the PLT group were healed by sixteen weeks versus thirty-three fractures (87 percent) in the IMN group (p = 0.70). Shoulder pain and a decrement in shoulder range of motion (ROM) were significant associations with IMN (p = 0.007 for both variables) but not with PLT. A decrement in elbow ROM was significantly associated with PLT (p = 0.03), especially for fractures of the distal third of the diaphysis, whereas elbow pain was not (p = 0.123). The sum of other complications demonstrated nearly equal prevalence for both treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: For patients requiring surgical treatment of a humeral shaft fracture, intramedullary nailing and compression plating both provide predictable methods for achieving fracture stabilization and ultimate healing.     

Systematic review shows lowered risk of nonunion after reamed nailing in patients with closed tibial shaft fractures

Nonunion after intramedullary nailing (IMN) in patients with tibial shaft fractures occurs up to 16%. There is no agreement whether reaming prior to IMN insertion would reduce the nonunion rate. We aimed to compare the nonunion rate between reamed and unreamed IMN in patients with tibial shaft fractures.A systematic search was conducted in Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The selected publications were: (1) randomised controlled trials; (2) comparing the nonunion rate; (3) in patients with tibial shaft fractures; (4) treated with either reamed or unreamed IMN.Seven studies that satisfied the criteria were identified. They showed that reamed IMN led to reduction of nonunion rate compared to unreamed IMN in closed tibial shaft fractures (risk difference ranging 7.0-20%, number needed to treat ranging 5-14), while the difference between compared treatments for open tibial shaft fractures was not clinically relevant.The evidence showed a consistent trend of reduced nonunion rate in closed tibial shaft fracture treated with reamed compared to unreamed IMN.     

Management of malunion and nonunion of the tibia

When treating acute tibial shaft fractures, every attempt should be made to prevent malunion or nonunion of the tibia. When these complications occur, tibial osteotomy and intramedullary nailing is a functional treatment alternative when infection is not present. Treatment of an infected nonunion usually requires staged protocol using several surgical procedures to effect an acceptable outcome.     

Management of fractures of the distal third tibia by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis – A prospective series of 50 patients

Background

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) is an established technique for fixation of fractures of the distal third tibia. Our study aimed to manage intra articular and extraarticular fractures of the distal third tibia by the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique and follow them prospectively. Clinical and radiological outcomes were studied and clinical indications & efficacy of the procedure reviewed. Though many studies on the subject have been done previously, these have been retrospective reviews or small series.

Methods

From May 2010 to May 2013, 50 patients of closed distal tibial fractures were operated by MIPO technique with a distal tibial anatomical locking plate having 4.5/5 proximal and 3.5/4 distal screw holes. The follow up duration was for 3 years.

Results

The mean fracture healing time was 21.4 weeks (range 16–32 weeks) and average AOFAS score 95.06 was out of a total possible 100 points. At last follow up, superficial infection occurred in 5 patients (10%); deep infection, implant failure and malunion in 1-patient each (2%).

Conclusion

MIPO technique provides good, though slightly delayed bone healing and decreases incidence of nonunion and need for bone grafting. This technique should be used in distal tibia fractures where locked nailing cannot be done like fractures with small distal metaphyseal fragments, vertical splits, markedly comminuted fractures and in fractures with intra-articular extension.     

Permanent reduction plate and intramedullary nailing of open tibia fractures: Do we need to take them out?

IntroductionProvisional reduction plating has been advocated as a reduction aid for tibial shaft fractures. Concerns regarding soft tissue stripping, infection, wound complications and nonunion have been postulated. Recent studies investigating reduction plating present patient cohorts where plates are removed or left to the discretion of the surgeon. This study aims to identify a cohort of open tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing aided by permanent reduction plating. Our hypothesis is that permanent reduction plating in conjunction with intramedullary nailing of open tibia fractures does not increase risk of nonunion, infection or time to fracture union compared to intramedullary nailing alone.MethodsAn IRB approved retrospective study was performed using trauma registry data from January 2014 to June 2018 at a Level 1 trauma center. Open AO/OTA 41A/42 A-C/43A tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nail alone (IM) or intramedullary nail and permanent reduction plates (PP) were included in patients over 18 years of age with at least six month follow up or until fracture union. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, mechanism of injury, medical comorbidities, and length of follow up were recorded along with time to union, incidence of nonunion and treatment for documented or suspected infections.ResultsDuring the study period, 389 patients underwent tibial intramedullary nailing with 162 identified as open fractures. 91 patients met inclusion criteria with 39 in the PP group and 52 in IM group. Statistical analysis revealed no difference between the two groups except more AO/OTA 42A fractures were noted in the IM group. Average follow up was 8.0 and 10.2 months for PP and IM respectively. Nonunion occurred in 2 PP group patients and 7 in the IM group (p = 0.29). Time to union was 5.5 months for PP group and 6.1 months for IM group (p = 0.39) with 4 infections in the PP group and 10 infections in IM group (p = 0.38).ConclusionDespite the small sample size, this study suggests that permanent reduction plating, in the setting of open tibia fractures, does not delay time to fracture union or increase risk of nonunion or infection.     

Comparative study between intramedullary interlocking nailing and minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis for distal tibia extra-articular fractures

PurposeTreatment of distal tibia fractures poses significant challenge to orthopedic surgeon because of poor blood supply and paucity of soft tissue coverage. There is considerable controversy regarding the superior option of treatment for distal tibia fracture between the minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technique and intramedullary interlocking (IMIL) nailing for extra-articular distal tibia fractures. The aim of our study is to compare the functional outcome between the two treatment methods.MethodsThis was the prospective comparative study of 100 patients with distal third tibia fractures divided into two groups. The first group of patients were treated with MIPPO technique while the second group of patients were managed by IMIL nailing. Patients were followed up in outpatient department to assess the functional outcomes, malunion, delayed union, nonunion, superficial and deep infection between the two groups. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software (version 16.0).ResultsAverage malunion (degrees) in the MIPPO group was 5 (3–7) ± 1.41 vs. 10.22 (8–14) ± 2.04 in the IMIL group (p = 0.001). Similarly postoperative knee pain in the IMIL group was 10% vs. 2% in the MIPPO group (p = 0.001). In terms of superficial infection and nonunion, the results were 8% vs. 4% and 2% vs. 6% for the MIPPO and IMIL group, respectively (p = 0.001).ConclusionBoth procedures have shown the reliable method of fixation for distal extra-articular tibia fractures preserving the soft tissue, bony vascularity and fracture hematoma that provide a favourable biological environment for fracture healing. Considering the results of the study, we have slightly more preference for the MIPPO technique.     

Extra-articular distal tibial fractures,is interlocking nailing an option? A prospective study of 147 cases

Purpose: Distal tibia fractures comprise about 7%e10% of lower extremity trauma. Because of the peculiarity of the soft tissue and subcutaneous location of the bone there are many controversies in the ideal treatment of distal tibia fractures especially extra articular pilon fractures. Plating is fraught with complications of wound dehiscence and infection. There are limited studies which document outcomes in such cases using intramedullary interlocking nail. We intend to study the outcome and complications of extra articular distal tibial fractures treated with interlocking nailing. Methods: This is a prospective study conducted in a tertiary care orthopaedic hospital in southern India. There are 147 patients of distal tibia extra-articular fractures managed by IM nailing with follow up of more than one year were included in this study. Only cases with fresh injury (less than 1 week), fracture below the isthmus, closed and open Gustilo Anderson type 1 and 2 fractures were included in the study. Patients were reviewed at 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks after surgery and thereafter at one year and were assessed for clinical and radiological signs of healing, any complications, time to union and functional outcome. Results: There were 102 males and 45 females (male/female ratio is 2.3:1) with a mean age of 38.96 (range 23e65) years. According to AO classification, there were 78 cases (53.06%) of 43-A1, 39 cases (26.53%) of 43-A2 and 30 cases of 43-A3 constituting 20.40%. The fracture united in all the patients at an average of 18 weeks (range 16e22 weeks), none of the patient in our series had a delayed or nonunion. Two patients (1.47%) had the fracture united in mild valgus but it was well within the acceptable limits (<5 ). The functional outcome was assessed in all the patients at final follow up using Olerud and Molander score all the patients fared an excellent to good score, there were no cases with poor score. Conclusion: Intramedullary nailing is a viable option to treat distal tibial fractures with excellent outcome. Wound complications related to plating can be avoided but meticulous surgical technique is key to avoid malunion.