Preliminary results of stabilization of far distal tibia fractures with the distal tibial nail: A prospective, multicenter case series study.

INTRODUCTION: The distal tibial nail (DTN) is a novel retrograde intramedullary nail used for distal tibial fracture stabilization. We investigated the clinical results of DTN use for distal tibial fractures and compared them with those reported in the literature on locking plates and antegrade intramedullary nails. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study examined distal tibial fractures with AO/OTA classification 43 types: A1, A2, A3 or C1. The primary outcomes included bone union rate, soft tissue problems, and surgical complications. Secondary outcomes were EuroQol-5 Dimension-5 Level (EQ-5D-5L), Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q), and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot clinical scores 1 year postoperatively. Incidence of varus or valgus/anterior-posterior flexion deformity with a difference of ≥5° and postoperative reduction loss rate were evaluated. RESULTS: Five men and five women were enrolled (mean age, 69 years [range, 30-77 years]), including one open-fracture-type Gustilo type IIIB case. Bone union was observed in all patients at 6 months postoperatively. Delayed union, leg edema, and guide pin breakage were observed in three, one, and one cases, respectively. No soft tissue or surgical complications were observed. During the final follow-up, the EQ-5D-5L, SAFE-Q, and AOFAS hindfoot scores were 0.876 (0.665-1.0), 83-92, and AOFAS 92.6 (76-100), respectively. Varus and retroflexion deformities were observed in one case each. DISCUSSION: DTN has been reported to have biomechanically equivalent or stronger fixation strength than locking plates or antegrade intramedullary nails. In addition, while DTN was thought to be less invasive for soft tissue and can avoid injury to the knee, it was thought that care should be taken to avoid medial malleolus fractures and posterior tibialis tendon injuries. Comparisons with literature treatment results for locking plates and antegrade intramedullary nails showed comparable to advantageous results. CONCLUSIONS: DTN treatment results for distal tibial fractures were as good as those for locking plates and antegrade intramedullary nails. DTN is useful for stabilization and does not compromise the surrounding soft tissues.

A retrospective investigation on clinical and radiographic outcomes of distal tibial fractures after intramedullary nailing using the lateral parapatellar extra-articular approach.

INTRODUCTION: According to reports, the modified extra-articular parapatellar approach allows the performance of tibial nailing in the semi-extended position without the concern of joint violation. However, there remains no special study that has provided a detailed assessment of the benefits and risks of this approach for treating distal tibial fractures (DTFs). The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with DTFs after intramedullary nailing using a lateral parapatellar extra-articular (LPE) approach in comparison to using the suprapatellar (SP) and transpatellar (TP) approaches. METHODS: Data were collected from 99 patients with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Comparisons were conducted between the groups regarding the number of intraoperative fluoroscopies, complications, knee pain, knee range of motion (ROM), the Lysholm Knee Scale (LKS), the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) and radiological findings. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics were comparable between the groups. Fewer intraoperative fluoroscopies were performed in the LPE (27.47 ± 4.98) and SP (26.03 ± 5.12) groups than in the TP group (30.20 ± 7.42; P<0.001). When compared with the other two approaches, the LPE approach was associated with less knee pain (P<0.001) and better knee ROM (P<0.001) at one week postoperative. No significant intergroup differences were detected in the incidence of complications, LKS scores (P = 0.687) and OMAS (P = 0.926). Radiological findings demonstrated that postoperative tibial alignment (P = 0.853), the time of bony union and rate of non-union were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: The LPE approach can serve as a safe and effective option for tibial nailing, as it offers favourable outcomes in knee pain relief and knee ROM in the early postoperative period and is equivalent to the other two approaches in terms of the incidence of complications, fracture healing, functional recovery and postoperative alignment for patients with DTFs.

Clinical and radiological risk factors associated with the occurrence of acute compartment syndrome in tibial fractures: a systematic review of the literature.

Introduction: Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is an orthopedic emergency that may lead to devastating sequelae. Diagnosis may be difficult. The aim of this systematic review is to identify clinical and radiological risk factors for ACS occurrence in tibial fractures. Methods: PubMed® database was searched in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Additional articles were found by a manual research of selected references and authors' known articles. Results: The identification process individualized 2758 via database and 30 via other methods. After screening and eligibility assessment, 29 articles were included. Age, gender, occupation, comorbidities, medications, habits, polytrauma, multiple injuries, mechanism, sports, site, open vs closed, contiguous lesion, classification, and pattern were found to be related to ACS occurrence. Conclusions: Younger age and male gender are strong independent risk factors in tibial plateau and shaft fractures. High-energy fractures, polytrauma, more proximal fractures and fractures with contiguous skeletal lesions are aggravating risk factors; higher AO/OTA and Schatzker classification types, increased displacement of the tibia relative to the femur, and increased tibial joint surface width are associated risk factors in tibial plateau fractures; higher AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification types and subgroups and more proximal fractures within the diaphysis are associated risk factors in tibial shaft fracture. Open fractures do not prevent ACS occurrence. Increased fracture length is the only factor suggesting a higher risk of ACS in tibial pilon fractures. The presence of each independent predictor may have a cumulative effect increasing the risk of ACS occurrence.

[Short-term effectiveness of ultrasound-guided Kirschner wire provocation technique in treatment of Salter-Harris types â and â ¡ periosteal entrapment of distal tibial epiphyseal fractures in children and adolescents].

Objective: To investigate the short-term effectiveness of ultrasound-guided closed reduction by Kirschner wire provocation technique in the treatment of Salter-Harris types Ⅰ and Ⅱ periosteal entrapment of distal tibial epiphyseal fractures in children and adolescents. Methods: Between May 2019 and May 2022, 41 patients with Salter Harris types Ⅰ and Ⅱ distal tibial epiphyseal fractures were admitted, all of whom had periosteal entrapment on preoperative MRI, and 38 cases (92.7%) were confirmed to have periosteal entrapment by intraoperative ultrasound. There were 24 males and 14 females, the age ranged from 6.8 to 15.7 years, with an average of 10.7 years; and there were 20 cases of Salter Harris type Ⅰ and 18 cases of type Ⅱ. The time from injury to operation was 22-76 hours, with an average of 28.4 hours. The preoperative imaging examination showed excellent alignment in 4 cases, good in 20 cases, and poor in 14 cases. The ultrasound guided Kirschner wire provocation technique for closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire internal fixation were performed. The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, fracture healing time, and complications were recorded. Anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films of the affected ankle joint were taken before operation, at 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up to observe the healing of the fracture, and anteroposterior X-ray films of the whole length of both lower limbs were taken to evaluate the alignment of the force lines of the affected limbs. The range of motion (ROM), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score were used to evaluate ankle function. The mechanical lateral distal tibia angle (mLDTA) and the anatomic anterior distal tibia angle (aADTA) were measured. Results: The operation time ranged from 17 to 52 minutes, with an average of 22.6 minutes, and the intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency ranged from 3 to 11 times, with an average of 4.2 times. X-ray examination during operation and at 2 days after operation showed that anatomical reduction was achieved. All patients were followed up 10-24 months, with an average of 16.4 months. All fractures healed in 6.1-7.2 weeks, with an average of 6.3 weeks; no fracture displacement occurred, and the patients recovered to their pre-injury level of motion at 6 months after operation. Needle tail irritation occurred in 2 cases at 4 weeks after operation, and they recovered after symptomatic treatment. During the follow-up, there was no serious complication such as incision deep infection, bone nonunion, delayed union, and malunion. At last follow-up, the patients' alignment were all excellent, and the difference was significant when compared with preoperative one ( Z=-7.471, P<0.001). The VAS score, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, dorsiflexion-plantar flexion ROM, varus-valgus ROM, mLDTA, and aADTA significantly improved at 3 months after operation and last follow-up when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided closed reduction by Kirschner wire provocation technique for treating Salter-Harris types Ⅰ and Ⅱ periosteal entrapment of distal tibial epiphyseal fractures in children and adolescents is minimally invasive and safe.

Effects of intramedullary nailing and internal fixation plates on postoperative wound infection and pain in patients with distal tibia fractures: A meta-analysis.

A meta-analysis was performed to assess the effects of intramedullary nailing (IMN) and internal fixation plates (IFP) on postoperative wound infection and pain in patients with distal tibia fractures, to provide evidence for the selection of surgical options for this group of patients. Computerised searches were performed on PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CNKI and Wanfang databases from the inception of each library to August 2023. All published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing IMN with IFP for the treatment of patients with distal tibial fractures were selected. Literature screening, data extraction and literature evaluation were independently completed by two researchers. Data analysis was performed using the Review Manager 5.4 software. Overall, 25 RCTs with a total of 2011 patients were finally included, comprised by 1009 patients in the IMN group and 1002 patients in the IFP group. The rate of wound infection was significantly lower in the IMN group than that in the IFP group (5.05% vs. 9.58%, odds ratio [OR]: 0.52, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.37-0.73, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the IMN group had a significantly higher rate of joint pain than that of the IFP group (14.57% vs. 2.90%, OR: 4.93, 95% CIs: 3.02-8.03, p < 0.00001), whereas the difference between the two surgical procedures in terms of operative time was not statistically significant (standardised mean differences: 0.08 95% CIs: -0.58-0.74, p = 0.82). Current clinical evidence suggests that both IMN and IFP are excellent treatments for distal tibial fractures. Although IMN is better in reducing postoperative wound infection, the risk of postoperative pain is higher. Thus, an appropriate surgical procedure should be selected in clinical practice in accordance with the actual situation of the patient, and IFP is used to reduce the incidence of postoperative joint pain when the anterior tibial soft tissue of the distal tibial fracture is in good condition, and vice versa. IMN is used to reduce the risk of infection.

Effect of intramedullary nail fixation and internal plate fixation in distal tibia fracture surgery on post-operative wound infection in patients: A meta-analysis.

Distal tibial fracture is the most commonly seen type of fracture of the lower extremities. Both intramedullary nail fixation (INF) and plate fixation (PF) have been used to treat distal tibial fractures, but the best way to treat them is still in dispute. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare INF versus PF fixation with respect to the incidence of injury. For studies that have been published between inception and June 2023, a systematic review has been carried out on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Scientific databases. All of the trials that looked at INF and PF-related complications were enrolled. Data from the 13 primary results were analysed with RevMan 5.3. The meta-analyses comprised 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). INF indicates that there is a tendency for patients with distal tibia fractures to reduce the risk of operative site infection (odds ratio [OR], 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40, 3.13; p = 0.0003) after surgery compared with PF. INF resulted in a reduction in total wound complications (OR, 14.20; 95% CI, 1.81, 111.57; p = 0.01) but shortened operation time (mean difference, 13.03; 95% CI, 2.08, 23.99; p = 0.02). In view of these findings, INF seems to be a preferred method of surgery for the treatment of distal tibial fractures with respect to the reduction of post-operative wound complications.

Does the distal nail position impact the rates of misalignment and bone union in distal tibial fractures?

PURPOSE: This retrospective study aimed to assess the impact of distal nail placement on misalignment and healing rates in distal tibial fractures. METHODS: We reviewed all patients with distal tibial fracture treated with intramedullary nailing between 2015 and 2021, and a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Distal nail positioning was determined according to the Triantafillou zones. We related these positioning zones to misalignments (alignment ≥ 3°) and too bony union disorders (delayed union, non-union). RESULTS: Out of the 62 patients included, 56 (90.3%) show bone union without additional procedure, 3 (4.8%) with dynamization, and 3 (4.8%) showed non-union. Twenty-one (33.8%) presented misalignment, with valgus in the coronal plane being the most frequent (76.19%). In patients with and without misalignment, the most frequent distal nail position was 2-2 in 47.6% and 80.5%, respectively (p = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, distal nail positioning in the 2-2 zone showed a significant protective effect against misalignment (OR 0.18; p = 0.018), while nail positioning in the 3-2 zone generated a significant risk of misalignment (OR 18.55; p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: In intramedullary nailing of distal tibial fractures, distal positioning of the nail slightly lateral to the center of the talus in the coronal plane and slightly posterior in the sagittal plane (zone 2-2) allows high alignment percentages to be obtained. Positioning medial to this point in the coronal plane (zone 3) is associated with more significant misalignment and should be avoided.

Nailing distal tibial fractures: does entry technique affect distal alignment?

PURPOSE: In treating distal third tibial fractures, restoration of the axial alignment and therefore accurate reduction of the distal fragment minimise the risk of tibiotalar joint malalignment. The aim of this study is to investigate whether there was a difference in accuracy of reduction and axial alignment, when nailing distal third tibial fractures using either the suprapatellar or the infrapatellar tibial nailing entry technique. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study compared alignment of intramedullary nails performed for distal third tibial fractures between 2015 and 2018 through the suprapatellar and infrapatellar approach at a UK Level 1 trauma centre. It compared a consecutive series of 74 suprapatellar nails and 51 infrapatellar nails, with radiographic assessment of tibial alignment in the antero-posterior and sagittal planes. It included inter- and intra-observer analyses of radiographic measurements. RESULTS: In the coronal plane, mean malalignment in the suprapatellar technique group was 2.8 ± 0.7° and 4.7 ± 0.9° in the infrapatellar technique group (P < 0.01). In the sagittal plane, mean malalignment in the suprapatellar technique group was 4.0 ± 0.8° and 3.5 ± 0.9° in the infrapatellar technique group (P = 0.42). Intra- and inter-observer analysis showed strongly positive correlations between observers. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the suprapatellar technique may improve coronal plane alignment when intramedullary nailing distal tibial fractures. There was no significant difference in alignment in the sagittal plane. We conclude that the suprapatellar technique may be superior in preventing malalignment when treating distal third tibial fractures, potentially improving clinical outcome.

Short-term effectiveness of ultrasound-guided Kirschner wire provocation technique in treatment of Salter-Harris types Ⅰ and Ⅱ periosteal entrapment of distal tibial epiphyseal fractures in children and adolescents / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the short-term effectiveness of ultrasound-guided closed reduction by Kirschner wire provocation technique in the treatment of Salter-Harris types Ⅰ and Ⅱ periosteal entrapment of distal tibial epiphyseal fractures in children and adolescents.@*METHODS@#Between May 2019 and May 2022, 41 patients with Salter Harris types Ⅰ and Ⅱ distal tibial epiphyseal fractures were admitted, all of whom had periosteal entrapment on preoperative MRI, and 38 cases (92.7%) were confirmed to have periosteal entrapment by intraoperative ultrasound. There were 24 males and 14 females, the age ranged from 6.8 to 15.7 years, with an average of 10.7 years; and there were 20 cases of Salter Harris type Ⅰ and 18 cases of type Ⅱ. The time from injury to operation was 22-76 hours, with an average of 28.4 hours. The preoperative imaging examination showed excellent alignment in 4 cases, good in 20 cases, and poor in 14 cases. The ultrasound guided Kirschner wire provocation technique for closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire internal fixation were performed. The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, fracture healing time, and complications were recorded. Anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films of the affected ankle joint were taken before operation, at 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up to observe the healing of the fracture, and anteroposterior X-ray films of the whole length of both lower limbs were taken to evaluate the alignment of the force lines of the affected limbs. The range of motion (ROM), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score were used to evaluate ankle function. The mechanical lateral distal tibia angle (mLDTA) and the anatomic anterior distal tibia angle (aADTA) were measured.@*RESULTS@#The operation time ranged from 17 to 52 minutes, with an average of 22.6 minutes, and the intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency ranged from 3 to 11 times, with an average of 4.2 times. X-ray examination during operation and at 2 days after operation showed that anatomical reduction was achieved. All patients were followed up 10-24 months, with an average of 16.4 months. All fractures healed in 6.1-7.2 weeks, with an average of 6.3 weeks; no fracture displacement occurred, and the patients recovered to their pre-injury level of motion at 6 months after operation. Needle tail irritation occurred in 2 cases at 4 weeks after operation, and they recovered after symptomatic treatment. During the follow-up, there was no serious complication such as incision deep infection, bone nonunion, delayed union, and malunion. At last follow-up, the patients' alignment were all excellent, and the difference was significant when compared with preoperative one ( Z=-7.471, P<0.001). The VAS score, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, dorsiflexion-plantar flexion ROM, varus-valgus ROM, mLDTA, and aADTA significantly improved at 3 months after operation and last follow-up when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Ultrasound-guided closed reduction by Kirschner wire provocation technique for treating Salter-Harris types Ⅰ and Ⅱ periosteal entrapment of distal tibial epiphyseal fractures in children and adolescents is minimally invasive and safe.

The semi-extended infrapatellar intramedullary nailing of distal tibia fractures: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Malalignment is a common event during the intramedullary nailing (IMN) of distal tibia fractures (DTFs). Although it is reported that the semi-extended IMN techniques such as suprapatellar (SP) and parapatellar (PP) approaches may be superior in preventing malalignment, the application of these techniques is concerning owing to the intra-articular involvement. We thus developed an extra-articular semi-extended infrapatellar (SEIP) approach which utilizes the infrapatellar (IP) space while maintaining the knee in a semi-extended position. However, there are no studies on the safety and efficacy of SEIP in treating DTFs. Therefore, in this study, the SEIP technique was examined, particularly in terms of the potential alignment improvement of DTFs, and this technique was compared with the traditional hyperflexed infrapatellar (HFIP) procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial (RCT) compared IMN malalignment while correcting extraarticular and nondisplaced intra-articular DTFs between April 2018 and June 2021 using the HFIP and SEIP techniques at a level I trauma center in China. The study participants were clinically and radiographically examined for at least 12 months of follow-ups. Intraoperative fluoroscopy time, operation time, blood loss, hospitalization duration, functional ankle score, and complications were assessed as well. RESULTS: Among the 88 recruited participants, 45 (51%) underwent traditional HFIP IMN and 43 (49%) underwent SEIP IMN. Malalignment occurred in 9 patients (20.0%) from the HFIP cohort and in 2 patients (4.7%) from the SEIP cohort (P value = 0.030). In addition, the SEIP IMN technique significantly reduced the intraoperative fluoroscopy time, operation time, and improved the postoperative ankle function compared to the HFIP IMN technique. However, the intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization duration, infection, delay union, and nonunion remained the same between the two cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we demonstrated that the SEIP IMN provides markedly enhanced alignment of extraarticular and nondisplaced intra-articular DTFs compared to the traditional HFIP IMN procedure. The described technique represents an effective option for IMN of DTFs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. Trial registration The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100043673. Registered 26 February 2021, retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=122263.

A Retrospective Comparison of Above- vs Below-the-Knee Cast Treatment for Salter Harris-II Distal Tibia Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Distal tibia fractures are common in the pediatric patient population. Recent reports suggest that patients with closed low-energy distal tibial fractures treated with short leg casts (SLCs) have similar radiographic outcomes with improved functional outcomes compared to those treated with long leg casts (LLCs). However, to date there has not been a study comparing these treatment modalities for Salter-Harris (SH) II distal tibia fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare the radiographic and time to weightbearing outcomes between patients with SH-II tibial ankle fractures treated with an SLC vs an LLC. METHODS: A retrospective review on SH-II distal tibia fractures was performed at a Level I pediatric trauma center from 2013 to 2020. Primary outcomes included final coronal angulation, sagittal angulation, and time to weightbearing. RESULTS: A total of 59 patients with SH-II distal tibia fractures were treated with an SLC (22 patients, median age 11.79 years) or an LLC (37 patients, median age 12.17 years). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 treatment groups for coronal angulation at final follow-up, sagittal angulation at final follow-up, or percentage of patients fully weightbearing at 6 weeks (P > .05). No patients required subsequent remanipulation or operative treatment in either treatment group. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective review with relatively short-term follow-up, SLCs were found to be noninferior to LLCs for treatment of reduced SH-II distal tibia fractures. This casting option may still be considered by surgeons who are nonoperatively managing pediatric distal tibia fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Incidence and risk factors of occult posterior malleolar fracture in patients with spiral distal tibial fracture: Reexamination and analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for posterior malleolar fractures (PMFs) in patients with spiral distal tibial fractures (SDTFs). METHODS: In a retrospective study, 248 adults with SDTFs who underwent treatment were enrolled between November 2017 and May 2020. In a prospective study, we recruited 113 consecutive, skeletally mature patients with SDTFs who were identified from the trauma clinic of our hospital between June 2020 and May 2021. Radiographs and CT scans of the ankle region on the affected side were obtained to determine the presence of PMFs. If the CT scan was negative, additional MRI examination of the ankle was performed as a supplementary protocol in the prospective study. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were conducted to analyze the risk factors. RESULTS: In the retrospective study, the incidence of PMFs associated with simple SDTFs was 74.0% (105/142), which was significantly lower than 90.8% (69/76) in the prospective study. Independent predictors of PMFs in patients with simple SDTFs identified by multivariate analysis in the retrospective study were age (OR = 1.07; P = 0.001) and external rotation of the proximal tibia (OR = 3.36; P = 0.027) and those in the prospective study were osteoporosis (OR = 0.04; P = 0.007) and spiral fibula fractures (OR = 16.05; P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: This study reexamined the high incidence of concurrent PMFs. Additionally, ankle radiographs and CT scans were recommended for all simple SDTF patients. For simple SDTF patients with negative CT scans, especially those caused by external rotation of the proximal tibia, combined with nonosteoporotic or spiral fibula fractures, additional MRI examinations are recommended.

Results and complications of minimally invasive medial plate osteosynthesis for distal metaphyseal tibial fractures: A prospective case series from Vietnam.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The treatment of a fractures in tibial distal metaphyseal remained controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the results and complications of minimally invasive medial plate osteosynthesis for distal metaphyseal tibial fractures. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From April 2014 to December 2019, 70 patients were enrolled in the study who were underwent MIPPO for metaphyseal tibial fractures using a medial distal tibial locking plate in our hospital. Wound healing, alignment, full weight bearing time, function, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: All wounds primarily healed, just one fibular plating wound was deeply infected. All tibial fractures were solid union without secondary displacement. The average time back to walk without a crutch was 12,5 weeks. The mean AOFAS score was 89 at a mean of 15 months follow-up. There were seven cases of late infection, 14 patients of skin impingement by implants and nine cases of broken screws, who were older than 65 years old. No case was varus, valgus or rotation >5°. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive medial plate osteosynthesis for the distal metaphyseal tibial fracture is safe and effective. This technique decreases the incidence of complications and can help patients to resume their function early. The implant impingement, late wound infections and screw breakage were the quite common complications in old patients but these complications could be simply resolved and did not affect the overall rehabilitation and functions of the patient.

Comparison Between Nailing and Plating in the Treatment of Distal Tibial Fractures: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To evaluate evidence on the superiority of plate fixation over intramedullary nail fixation in the treatment of distal tibial fractures regarding functional outcomes and complication rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched in December 2019. The risk of systematic bias was assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration's domain-based evaluation framework. RESULTS: The search resulted in 514 records, the final sample included 10 randomized controlled trials (782 patients). There were statistically significant differences in operating time (-11.2, 95% confidence interval: -16.3 to -6.1 min), time to partial weight bearing (-0.96, 95% confidence interval: -1.8 to -0.1 weeks), time to full weight bearing (-2.2, 95% confidence interval: -4.32 to -0.01 weeks), the rates of deep infections (risk ratio = 0.37, 95% confidence interval: 0.19 to 0.69), and the rates of soft-tissue complications (risk ratio = 0.52, 95% confidence interval: 0.33 to 0.82) favoring intramedullary nail. Intraoperative blood loss (127.2, 95% confidence interval: 34.7 to 219.7 mL) and postoperative knee pain and stiffness (relative risk = 5.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.4-22.6) showed significant differences favoring plate fixation. When combining all complication rates, the difference was risk ratio = 0.77 (95% confidence interval: 0.63 to 0.95) favoring intramedullary nail. No significant differences in radiation time, length of incision, length of hospital stay, time to return to work, time to union, the rates of healing complications or secondary procedures, ankle pain or stiffness, or functional scores were found. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that intramedullary nail might be slightly superior in reducing postoperative complications and result in slightly faster healing when compared to plate fixation.

Dorsal minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of the distal tibia with regard to adjacent anatomical characteristics.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to perform MIPO of the distal tibia from a dorsomedial and dorsolateral approach and to evaluate their feasibility and risk of injury to adjacent anatomical structures. MATERIAL & METHODS: A total of 18 extremities from 9 adult human cadavers was included in the study. In each cadaver, one lower leg underwent application of a 12-hole 3.5 LCP metaphyseal plate from the medial and the further one from the lateral approach. For the medial approach, a 4 cm skin incision was performed at the tibial border of the Achilles tendon, starting from 1 cm proximal to its insertion point at the calcaneal tuberosity. Entrance was gained between the medial border of the flexor hallucis longus tendon and the medial neurovascular bundle. Regarding the lateral approach, the skin was incised over a length of about 4 cm at the lateral border of the Achilles tendon, approximately 1 cm proximal to its insertion point. Entrance was gained between the Achilles tendon and the peroneus brevis muscle. The plates were inserted in direct bone contact in a proximal direction and the proximal and distal ends were fixed. During dissection, the proximal and distal holes beneath the crossing points of the neurovascular bundle and the plate were noted. The distal and proximal intersection points of the neurovascular bundle and the plate were measured with reference to the distal border of the plate. RESULTS: Concerning the medial approach, the neurovascular bundle was on median located between the 6th and 11th plate holes starting from distal. The bundle intersected the plate distally at a mean height of 65.8 mm and proximally at 156.8 mm on average. For the lateral approach, the neurovascular bundle was situated between the 6th and the 12th plate hole from distal. It crossed the plate distally at a mean of 61.0 mm and proximal at a mean height of 153.9 mm. In none of the cases, lacerations of the neurovascular bundle were observed. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, MIPO from the dorsomedial and dorsolateral approach are both safe procedures as indicated by our study.

Surgical approach strategies for open reduction internal fixation of closed complex tibial Pilon fractures based on axial CT scans.

BACKGROUND: To explore the application and clinical efficacy of surgical approach strategies in open reduction internal fixation of closed complex tibial Pilon fractures based on axial CT scans. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included data of 25 patients with closed complex tibial Pilon fractures treated from October 2011 to March 2014, including 19 males and 6 females aged 18-54 years (average 39.5 years). According to classification criteria of the Association for Osteosynthesis/Orthopedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA), 4 patients were type 43C1, 10 type 43C2, and 11 type 43C3. Surgical approaches were selected based on fracture line distribution and bone displacement revealed by axial CT scans, and an open reduction method was adopted for internal fixation of the bone plates. Postoperatively, Burwell-Charnley radiographic criteria were used to determine fracture reduction quality. Functional evaluation was performed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. Complications, fracture union time, and the AOFAS scores at last follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: The 25 included patients were followed for 22-60 months postoperatively (average follow-up 33.9 months). Of these, 19 patients achieved anatomical reduction of the articular surface, 5 achieved good reduction, and one achieved fair reduction. Two patients developed superficial infection on the anteromedial incision and delayed union but recovered well after local dressing change and oral administration of antibiotics. Another patient developed deep infection on the anterolateral incision, which was controlled by debridement, catheter irrigation, and intravenous antibiotic injection. All fractures healed well and average union time was 2.8 months (range, 2-3 months). No fracture malunion or internal fixation failures were found at last follow-up. All 25 patients had AOFAS scores ranging from 80 to 100 at last follow-up (average 88.4). Overall, 15 patients were excellent, 10 good, and 0 fair or poor, with excellent and good rates of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical approach strategies for complex tibial Pilon fractures based on axial CT scans accurately reconstruct the articular surface and achieve solid internal fixation of assembled locking plates, while early postoperative functional exercises contribute to the functional recovery of affected limbs and reduce related complications.

Immediate weightbearing after intramedullary fixation of extra-articular distal tibial fractures reduces the nonunion rate compared with traditional weight-bearing protocol: A cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether immediate weightbearing after intramedullary fixation of extra-articular distal tibial fractures could avoid secondary replacement. METHODS: We prospectively included 167 patients receiving intramedullary nailing in treatment of distal tibial fractures. All these patients were encouraged to bear weight as tolerated postoperatively. One hundred and fifty-five patients who did not bear weight immediately after surgery were retrospectively included as historical control. RESULTS: The mean immediate lateral and anterior DTA were 88.9 ± 3.9 and 85.2 ± 3.5° for historical control and 88.7 ± 3.6 and 84.9 ± 3.8° for immediate weight bearing group (lateral DTA: P = 0.715; anterior DTA: P = 0.734). The mean final lateral and anterior DTA were 88.1 ± 3.3 and 84.1 ± 4.3° for historical control and 87.9 ± 5.0 and 84.5 ± 5.1° for the immediate weightbearing group (lateral DTA: P = 0.857; anterior DTA: P = 0.788). Strikingly, the immediate weightbearing resulted in accelerated healing (3.5 ± 1.2 versus 4.9 ± 1.3 months, P = 0.023) and decreased nonunion rate (2.4% versus 7.1%, P = 0.027). The rates of infection and soft-tissue necrosis were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate weightbearing after IMN fixation of extra-articular distal tibial fractures led to a similar change in alignment compared with our historical control without immediate weightbearing. Immediate weightbearing appears to be safe for most patients and might be able to accelerate fracture healing and decrease nonunion rate.

[The PHILOS plate-also an indication for osteosynthesis of the distal tibia?] / Die PHILOS-Platte ­ auch an der distalen Tibia eine Indikation zur Osteosynthese?

According to the manufacturer's instructions the application of a PHILOS plate is restricted to humeral fractures. An extension to other anatomical regions of the body is not provided; however, based on the anatomical design of the plate it was observed that the application of this plate also appears to be possible for the distal tibia. This article reports three different osteosyntheses by a reverse PHILOS plate on the medial malleolus and on the distal tibia posteriorly with a short and a long PHILOS plate design. In summary, the applications have so far resulted in primary wound healing with correct consolidation of the fractures.

Anterolateral Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis of Distal Tibial Fractures Using an Anterolateral Locking Plate / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: Anterolateral minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) was performed to treat patients with distal tibial fractures associated with open fractures or extensive soft tissue injuries, which is limited medial MIPO. The treatment results of the anterolateral MIPO technique were evaluated and analyzed.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with distal tibial fractures associated with an open fracture or large bullae formation on the distal tibia medial side were treated with anterolateral MIPO using anterolateral locking plates. Within 24 hours of visiting the emergency room, external fixation was applied, and the medial side wound was managed. After damage control, the anterolateral locking plate was applied using an anterolateral MIPO technique. The union time, nonunion, or malunion were evaluated with regular postoperative radiographs. The ankle range of motion, operative time, blood loss, Iowa score, and wound complications were investigated.RESULTS: Radiological evidence of bony union was obtained in all cases. The mean time to union was 16.7 weeks (12~25 weeks). The mean operation time was 44.0 minutes. Regarding the ankle range of motion, the mean dorsiflexion was 15°, and the mean plantarflexion was 35°. Satisfactory results were obtained in 15 out of 17 cases; five results were classified as excellent, four were good, and six were fair. The mean blood loss was 125.2 mL. Two complications were recorded.CONCLUSION: In distal tibial fractures with severe medial soft tissue damage caused by high-energy trauma, the staged anterolateral MIPO technique using anterolateral locking plates is a useful alternative treatment to achieving optimal wound care, rapid union with biological fixation, and intra-articular reduction.