Functional Outcome of Extra-Articular Distal Tibia Fracture Treated with Tibia Interlocking Nail: A Case Series

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Tibia is a long bone of the body which bears most of the weight  and because of its subcutaneous location it is prone to injury. On the basis of location, distal tibia fractures are second in incidence next to tibia diaphyseal fractures. Intramedullary interlocking nailing has emerged as one of the suitable management options as it allows mechanical compression on weight bearing which stimulates bone healing.

MATERIAL & METHODS

We retrospectively studied 40 patients of both sex with patients  above the age of 18 years with closed fractures and grade 1,2, 3A compound fractures treated at our tertiary care center.

Clinically fracture was considered to be united when the patient was completely pain free. Patient was followed up at monthly intervals till union. At each follow up patient was assessed both clinically and radiographically and details were recorded as per proforma.

RESULTS

The evaluation of the result was done using AOFAS criteria. 33 patients had excellent functional results, 5 had good functional results, 3 had fair functional results.

In our study, 38 (95%) patients had radiological union within 24 weeks. 2 patients had union after 28 weeks

CONCLUSION

Intra-Medullary nailing is a minimally invasive procedure which preserves the soft tissue and the fracture hematoma. It maintains the length, alignment, rotation and allows micro motion at fracture site on weight bearing which stimulates the callus formation. It has a good functional outcome with gratifying results when used in extra articular distal tibia fractures.