Publication:

Comparison between malleolar locking plate and metaphyseal locking plate for the management of the distal tibial fracture

Background A pilon fracture is a distal tibial metaphyseal fracture that involves the ankle joint. Distal tibia fractures include extra-articular fractures of the metaphysis and the more severe intraarticular tibial plafond or pilon fractures. Several treatment methods have been recommended for the treatment of these injuries, with a recent emphasis on minimally invasive techniques. This research studies the outcome of a malleolar locking plate (M) versus a metaphyseal locking plate (P) in the management of distal tibial (Pilon) fracture.

Methods Distal tibial M and P were used to treat 80 cases of tibial pilon fracture. The study examined the use of anterior/ anteromedial approach for tibia and posterolateral/ lateral fibular fixation.

Results The male to female gender ratio was 2.63 in M and 1.35 in P. Mean age was 57.03±15.93 (M) and 52.1±12.788 (P). Surgeries were mostly done within 1 day to 1 week. Mean hospital stay was 6.43±4.545 (M) and 4.93±4.676 (P). The mean lower extremity functional score (LEFS) was 66.55 (M) and 67.15 (P) with 83.56% maximal function. 3 P cases had infections. No infections were seen in M group at the end of the 12th week follow-up.

Conclusions The results of the study indicate that there is no significant difference in terms of LEFS criteria, union, fracture alignment, range of motion (knee and ankle), infection, and other outcome measures between M fixation and P in the treatment of distal tibia fracture in adults.