Distal Tibia Fractures: Management and Complications of 101 Cases

Overview

Journal Int Orthop

Specialty Orthopedics

Date 2009 Jun 26

PMID 19554328

Citations 60

Authors

Pierre Joveniaux

Xavier Ohl

Alain Harisboure

Aboubekr Berrichi

Ludovic Labatut

Patrick Simon

Didier Mainard

Nicolas Vix

Emile Dehoux

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Distal tibia fractures are complex injuries with a high complication rate. In this retrospective and multicentre study we attempted to detail complications and outcomes of this type of injury in order to determine predictive factors of poor results. Between 2002 and 2004, 104 patients were admitted for 105 distal tibia fractures. One hundred patients (101 fractures) were reviewed with an average follow-up of 19 months (range, 12-46). Internal fixation, external fixation, limited internal fixation (K-wires or screws), intramedullary nailing and conservative treatment were used. Outcome parameters included occurrence of complications, radiographic analysis, evaluation of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle score and measures of the ankle range of motion. The average functional score was 76 points (range, 30-100 points), and complications occurred in 30 patients. Predictive factors of poor results were fracture severity, complications, malunion and the use of external fixation. We believe that external fixation must be reserved for trauma with severe skin injury, as a temporary solution in a two-staged protocol. For other cases, we recommend ORIF with early mobilisation.

Citing Articles

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Infrapatellar Approach to Intramedullary Nail Fixation of Distal One-Fourth Tibial Fractures.

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Clinical Efficacy of Three-Dimensional-Printed Pure Titanium Fracture Plates with Locking Screw Systems in Distal Tibia Fractures.

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Benefits of Poller Screw in Improving Radiological Outcomes after Intra-Medullary Nailing for Distal Tibia Fractures; A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Ahmed A, Ali M, Farooq M, Sulaiman M, Rashid H, Ahmad T Arch Bone Jt Surg. 2024; 12(10):701-705.

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