A Comparison of the Results between Intramedullary Nailing and Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis in Distal Tibia Fractures / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of treatment of distal tibial fractures between intramedullary (IM) nailing and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2007 and February 2012, 57 patients (57 cases) were treated for distal tibial fractures. Thirty-two patients (32 cases) were treated with IM nailing (nail group) and the 25 patients (25 feet) were treated with MIPO (plate group). Clinical results were compared using range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Olerud-Molander score between nail group and plate group. Radiographic results were compared using mean bony union time, coronal and sagittal malunions, and shortening between the groups. RESULTS: Mean ROM of the ankle joint was significantly larger in nail group until 6 months after surgery; however, it was not different between two groups at the last follow-up. AOFAS score and Olerud-Molander score were not different between two groups at the last follow-up. In the nail group, two malunions more than 5 degrees were observed in coronal and sagittal planes, respectively. One case showed non-union in the plate group, however, bone union was obtained after autogeneous bone graft. CONCLUSION: Treatment using IM nailing is more advantageous in terms of postoperative rehabilitation than MIPO in distal tibial fractures.

Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Fixation for Distal Tibia Shaft Fractures / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To review the efficiency of the minimally invasive plate fixation technique for distal tibia shaft fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 1999 and March 2001, 15 patients with distal tibia fractures were treated operatively by minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis. There were 10 men and 5 women with an average age of 51 years (range, 20 to 72 years). The patients were followed for an average of 19 months (range, 12 to 30 months). In all patients, the center of fracture was in the distal tibia and either entirely extraarticular or with minimally displaced extension into the ankle joint. The type of fracture was evaluated using the AO/OTA classification. So far as general condition of patients permitted, temporary reduction of fractures with or without passive traction or distractor was performed under intraoperative fluoroscopy. About a 2 cm to 3 cm incision was made in the metaphyseal region proximal or distal to the fracture site, and screws fixation was performed percutaneously. A clinical assessment was evaluated according to Olerud and Molander ankle score. RESULTS: All of the fractures healed with an average time of 15 weeks (range, 10 to 25 weeks). No patient had an angular deformity more than 5 degrees, or shortening of more than 1 cm. All patients had an excellent or satisfactory ankle function. Checkrein deformity was observed in one patient and superficial infections occurred in two, but no patient experienced deep infection or skin necrosis. CONCLUSION: As compared with conventional open reduction and internal plate fixation, minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique was found to be an effective method of treating distal tibia fractures, because it facilitates the rehabilitation more rapid patient rehabilitation, and induces osteosynthesis with reduced of the rates of infection and nonunion.