PLATE VERSUS NAIL FIXATON IN TREATMENT OF DISTAL TIBIA FRACTURES

Abstract

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the distal third of the tibia are the major cause of morbidity in patients with lower extremity injuries. Most fractures are sustained in adults during high velocity injuries .AIM :To compare the radiographic and clinical results of patients with  extra- articular unilateral closed or type I (Gustillo and Anderson) open fractures of the distal third of the tibia shaft, treated with ORIF with those treated with closed reduction and IM nailing. PATIENTSAND METHOD: This is prospective study on Fourteen patients treated with ORIF were matched to fourteen patients treated with IM nailing on the basis of gender, age decade, and the AO classification of the fracture. RESULT: There were no significant differences in regard to: time of surgical procedures, non-union, hardware failure or deep infections between plate fixation and intramedullary nailing. CONCLUSION: From this study we can conclude that, no much difference in regard to the time for union, nonunion, hardware failure and deep infections between ORIF and IM nailing. For optimal alignment we are considering the use of ORIF  for closed and type I open extra articular fractures in the distal third of the tibia