Comparative study between intramedullary interlocking nailing and minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis for distal tibia extra-articular fractures.

PURPOSE: Treatment of distal tibia fractures poses significant challenge to orthopedic surgeon because of poor blood supply and paucity of soft tissue coverage. There is considerable controversy regarding the superior option of treatment for distal tibia fracture between the minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technique and intramedullary interlocking (IMIL) nailing for extra-articular distal tibia fractures. The aim of our study is to compare the functional outcome between the two treatment methods. METHODS: This was the prospective comparative study of 100 patients with distal third tibia fractures divided into two groups. The first group of patients were treated with MIPPO technique while the second group of patients were managed by IMIL nailing. Patients were followed up in outpatient department to assess the functional outcomes, malunion, delayed union, nonunion, superficial and deep infection between the two groups. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software (version 16.0). RESULTS: Average malunion (degrees) in the MIPPO group was 5 (3-7) ± 1.41 vs. 10.22 (8-14) ± 2.04 in the IMIL group (p = 0.001). Similarly postoperative knee pain in the IMIL group was 10% vs. 2% in the MIPPO group (p = 0.001). In terms of superficial infection and nonunion, the results were 8% vs. 4% and 2% vs. 6% for the MIPPO and IMIL group, respectively (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both procedures have shown the reliable method of fixation for distal extra-articular tibia fractures preserving the soft tissue, bony vascularity and fracture hematoma that provide a favourable biological environment for fracture healing. Considering the results of the study, we have slightly more preference for the MIPPO technique.

Comparative Study between the Precontoured Anatomical Locking Plate and Clavicle Brace for Displaced Mid-Shaft Clavicle Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Most of the midshaft clavicle fractures heal conservatively without further complications with union rate of 94 to 99.7%. Several recent studies recommend surgery for displaced midshaft fracture, to reduce risk of non-union malunion and clavicle shortening. So there is still dilemma for the optimal treatment for displaced midshaft clavicle fracture. METHODS: This was the prospective comparative study performed in Civil Service Hospital, Nepal. Patients were divided into the two groups each containing 40 patients and were treated with figure of eight brace for group 1while group 2 patients were treated surgically. RESULTS: Mean time to unite the fracture was 11.87±1.78 versus 11.55±1.46 weeks (P value 0.37). There were 14 (35%) cases of malunion more than 10 degree in group 1 and 1 (2.5%) malunion in group 2 (P value 0.001). Twenty nine (72.5%) patients in group 1 and 35 (87.5%) in group 2 were fully satisfied one year after treatment Constant and Murley score in group 1 were 75.22±2.85, 90.87±3.39 and 96.30±1.80 at the time of fracture union, six month and one year after surgery while that score in group 2 were 81.67±2.86, 93.87±2.17, 98.20±1.20 respectively ( P value <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There is higher incidence of nonunion, symptomatic malunion and inferior perception of satisfaction in conservatively treated patients. Functional outcomes are comparable one year after surgery, however it is significantly better in operative group before that.

Isolated Medial Dislocation of Elbow: A Case Report.

Even though posterior or postero-lateral dislocations of elbow are more common, both isolated medial and lateral dislocations of elbow are extremely uncommon. Since there are subtle findings and minimum pain after medial dislocation of elbow, these are sometimes missed by attending physician at first presentation and changes into chronic type with guarded prognosis. We report a case of a 15-year old boy with isolated medial dislocation of elbow which was correctly identified and treated with closed reduction and posterior slab application. Flexion extension as well as supination pronation of elbow 3 months after injury was nearly normal.