Publication:

Retrospective analysis of minimal invasive plating versus intramedullary nailing for the treatment of extra-articular distal tibia fracture

Background The volume of cases of distal tibia fractures at the trauma care centre are quite high in the Indian scenario. This type of fracture often creates a dilemma for the orthopaedic surgeons over the choice of the implant for the management. The aim of our study was to compare intramedullary interlocking nail (IMILN) and minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) based on various parameters.

Methods We collected data of 40 patients with extra-articular distal tibial fractures (within 2 muller square from tibial plafond). Patients were divided into two groups: IMILN and MIPPO. We compared the 2 groups for demographic variables, union time, complication rate and functional score.

Results There was no statistical difference in union time, complication rate, functional outcome and other demographic variables among the groups. Only 2 patients developed non-union and two patients had an infection. Overall 38 patients obtained excellent or good results (95%) and two patient had fair outcomes (5%).

Conclusions The overall analysis suggested that both MIPPO and IMILN treatment options are comparable with consideration of all the parameters. Detailed results indicate a superiority of MIPPO over IMILN in terms of better anatomical reductions of the fracture with less incidence of malalignment while IMILN is better in terms of having lower rates of infections.