Treatment of distal tibial fracture with unilateral half-pin external fixation / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the surgical result of unilateral half-pin external fixation in the treatment of distal tibial fracture. Methods For type A fracture, two pins were inserted into the proximal fragment of tibia fracture and another two pins into the distal fragment; for type B and C fracture, distal pins were inserted into the talus and calcaneus. The fracture reduction was performed by distraction of external fixators. A limited open reduction was required in some difficult cases to restore the joint surface, with bone grafting and small fragments fixed with wires or screws. Meanwhile, fracture of fibula was fixed with plate and screws. Results The duration of external fixation was 3.5~8 months (mean, 5 months) in 22 patients. Bone union was achieved in all patients, without serious deep infection, osteomyelitis, or non-union. The patients were followed for 10~32 months (mean, 20 months). Functional exercise was carried out for more than 6 months after the removal of the external fixator. According to the Tornetta’s evaluation standard, excellent results were obtained in 11 patients, good in 7 patients, fair in 3, and poor in 1. Conclusions Unilateral half-pin external fixation combined with limited open reduction and internal fixation is a simple and effective minimally invasive method for the treatment of distal tibial fracture.