Distal Tibia Fractures: is the Tibia First Technique a Rational Approach?

@#Introduction: In this retrospective case-series study we discuss the clinical and radiographic outcomes obtained following the “tibia-first concept” in the treatment of distal tibia fractures, both in patients with fibular comminution and in cases with a simple fibula fracture. Materials and methods: We analysed a consecutive series of 64 patients who presented at our emergency department with a distal articular tibial and fibular fracture from January 2015 to September 2020. A total of 22 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in the study. Clinical and radiographic examination were performed at each follow-up. To quantify pain and functional disability, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society’s anklehindfoot scale (AOFAS) were applied. Results: The overall mean age was 52.8 years, and the mean follow-up was 13.18 months. Multiple scales data from the FAOS were as follows: pain score 80.70; symptoms score 81.69; activities of daily living score 87.22; quality of life 76.05. The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 74.36. Conclusions: Even though the principles of Rüedi and Allgöwer are still valid, in specific circumstances, the tibiafirst concept could be considered as a valid option for the treatment of these demanding fractures. If a good reduction is obtained intra-operatively by ligamentotaxis, we recommend fixing the tibia first, avoiding surgical stress on tissues derived from a previous fibular fixation.

The Incidence of Fracture-Related Infection in Open Tibia Fracture with Different Time Interval of Initial Debridement

@#Introduction: The primary aim of open fracture management is to prevent fracture-related infection by early antibiotic administration, debridement and wound coverage. However, the timing of the initial debridement is still controversial, and 6 to 24 hours is commonly advocated. Studies have yet to provide substantial evidence regarding the best time for surgical debridement. Thus, this study was conducted to compare the incidence of fracture-related infection at different time intervals of initial debridement of the open tibia fracture. Materials and methods: A total of 91 patients with grade I, II and IIIa open tibia fractures were recruited from 2016 to 2018, and their data were obtained from the consensus book and medical records. Participants were divided into four groups based on the time of initial debridement: (1) less than 6 hours, (2) 6 to less than 12 hours, (3) 12 to less than 24 hours, and (4) 24 hours and more. Fracture-related infection was determined by using Metsemakers confirmative criteria. Association between time and infection were determine by Binary Logistic Regression analysis by remerged the group into three; (1) less than 12 hours, (2) 12 to less than 24 hours and (3) 24 hours and more. The collected information was analysed using SPSS version 24 and Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: The mean age of the participants was 31.9 years old, with male predominant (n=80, 87.0%). Most participants had delayed initial debridement of more than 24 hours and predominantly Gustilo-Anderson type IIIa (n=47). A total of 8 fractures complicated with infection (8.7%), majority in grade IIIa and debridement performed within 12 to less than 24 hours. Binary logistic regression showed increased odds of infection with a delayed wound debridement both in clinical presentation and positive culture, but the association was not statistically significant. The commonest organism isolated was Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusion: Comparing to different time interval, initial wound debridement of more than 24 hours did not have strong association with increasing infection rate. However, even though statistically not significant, the odds of infection was increase with increasing time of initial wound debridement of an open tibia fracture, thus it should be performed early.

Surgical Management of Distal Tibia Fracture: Towards An Outcome-based Treatment Algorithm

@#Introduction: Distal tibia fractures are frequently associated with an extensive soft tissue injury which then leads to a higher risk of complications such as infection, non-union and eventually poor overall outcome. The purpose of this study is to measure the outcome of distal tibia fractures treated with internal fixation, external fixator or Ilizarov external fixator(IEF). We aim to propose an algorithm for management of distal tibia fractures by evaluating the treatment options, outcomes and risk factors present. Material and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study of all distal tibia fractures treated surgically in Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Klang from 1st January 2016 till 30th June 2018. Patient records were reviewed to analyse the outcomes of surgical treatment and risk factors associated with it. Results: Ninety-one patients were included with a mean age of 41.5 years (SD = 16.4). Thirty-nine cases (42.9%) were open fractures. Thirty-eight patients (41.8%) were treated with internal fixation, 27 patients (29.7%) were treated with IEF and 26 patients (28.6%) were treated with an external fixator. Among open fractures cases, no significant finding can be concluded when comparing each surgical option and its outcome, although one option was seen better than the other in a particular outcome. Initial skeletal traction or temporary spanning external fixator in close fractures reduced the risk of mal-alignment (p value=0.001). Internal fixation is seen superior to IEF and external fixator in close fractures in term of articular surface reduction (p value = 0.043) and risk of mal-alignment (p value = 0.007). Conclusion: There is no single method of fixation that is ideal for all pilon fractures and suitable for all patients. This proposed algorithm can help surgeons in deciding treatment strategies in the challenging management of distal tibia fractures to reduce associated complications.

Treatment of Tibial Fractures by Ilizarov Technique: A Longitudinal Study.

Introduction: Ilizarov technique has many advantages over conventional orthopedic treatment of fractures. It is minimally invasive and permits accurate reduction and alignment of comminuted, diaphyseal, and juxta-articular fractures. Acute infections following immediate fixation with nail or plate can be effectively managed with Ilizarov fixator. Materials and Methods: In the present study, twenty patients with tibia fractures were operated with Ilizarov over a period of 2 consecutive years and the results were analyzed. Fixator used is Ilizarov external fixator with Schanz pins and tensioned wires. Results: Results were assessed using bone score (ASAMI) and lower extremity functional scale. 68.4% had excellent, 15.8% patients had good, 5.3% patients had fair, and 10.5% patients had poor result. 57.9% patients had minimal disability, 26.3% patients had moderate disability, 10.5% patients had severe disability, and 1 patient crippled. Conclusion: Ilizarov circular fixation is an ideal method for fracture when extensive dissection and internal fixation are contraindicated due to trauma to soft tissue, deficiency of bone stock, infection, and comminuted fracture.