Publication:

Study of outcomes of metaphyseal plate fixation in extra articular lower tibia fractures in adults

Background The purpose of the present study was to see results of metaphyseal plate fixation in fractures of distal tibia in adults.

Methods This is a retrospective study of 45 patients with 45 open fractures of tibia operated primarily by either Solid Titanium or Stainless steel tibia interlocking nail within 24 hours of injury.

Results In Our Study we had studied 30 lower tibial fractures treated by precontoured metaphyseal anatomical plate. 24 (80%) patients were male. 19 patients were 20-45 years age group. Mean age was 34 years. 24(80%) fractures were due to Road traffic accidents. We had 26 (86%) patients with closed fracture and 4(14%) patients with open fracture. Average time of surgery in our series was 52 minutes. 6(20%) patients had infection. And 2(6.67%) patients had nonunion and both were due to infection and required implant removal and conversion to external fixation. Average time for fracture union was 18 months. In our study of 30 patients 23(76.67%) patients had good to excellent results as assessed by AOFAS score.

Conclusions From this study we can conclude that when properly indicated the use of anatomically precontoured medial tibial metaphyseal plate in treatment of distal tibia fractures gives good union and good functional result.