Fibular fixation for distal third tibia shaft fractures evidently improves tibial valgus and ankle function / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Fractures of shafts of the tibia and fibula are the most common diaphyseal fractures among al long bones. The clinical significance of fibula fixation in treatment of distal third shaft fractures is controversial, and the studies are also different. OBJECTIVE:To explore the clinical significance of fibular fixation in treatment of distal third tibia shaft fractures. METHODS:A retrospective review has been performed on the clinical data of sixty-four cases with distal third tibia shaft fracture in Department of Orthopedics, China National Offshore Oil Corporation General Hospital from January 2006 to March 2010. Al cases were divided into two groups based on whether the fibula was fixed or not fibula fixation group (n=36) and fibula non-fixation group (n=28). Union rate of fracture, bone union time and tibial valgus angle were compared between the two groups. According to Merchant-Dietz criteria, the ankle range of motion and ankle evaluation score were evaluated and compared between the two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: No significant difference in union rate of fracture, bone union time and ankle range of motion was detected between two groups. Tibial valgus angle was smaler in the fibula fixation group (5.42±1.16)° than in the fibula non-fixation group (7.54±1.90)°(P=0.006). Ankle function score was higher in the fibula fixation group (93.58±0.97) than in the fibula non-fixation group (90.57±3.92) (P=0.000). Three cases in the fibula fixation group suffered from superficial wound infection, and achieved good healing after treatment of anti-infection and changing dresses. Above results verify that fibular fixation can reduce tibial valgus angle and improve ankle joint function in treatment of distal third tibia fractures.