Comparative Study of the Management of Distal Tibia Fractures by Nailing Versus Plating

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the management of distal tibial fractures treated by interlocking nail and plate osteosynthesis and to assess their functional outcome according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and complications.MethodsTwenty patients were operated on in each group, i.e., intramedullary nailing (IMN) and plating (minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis, MIPO). The patients were regularly followed up at six weeks, 12 weeks, six months, and one year and evaluated clinically and radiologically with respect to operating time, union time, and functional outcome on the basis of AOFAS score and complications.ResultsThe mean union time for the IMN group was 18.45 +/- 2.45 weeks and for the MIPO group was 20 +/- 3.21 weeks (p-value >0.05). The mean AOFAS score in the MIPO group was 91.2 +/- 6.81 and in the IMN group was 92.6 +/- 5.41 (p-value >0.05). Lesser complications in terms of implant irritation, ankle stiffness, and infection were observed in the IMN group than in the MIPO group (p-value <0.05).ConclusionBoth the IMN and MIPO groups had satisfactory outcomes for treating distal tibial fractures, with a higher risk of wound complications in the MIPO group.