Abstract: Background: The management of unstable distal tibia fractures remains Challenging. The proximity to the ankle makes the surgical treatment more complicated. The present study was carried out to compare different treatment modalities for management of tibial fractures.
Materials & Methods: This study was conducted in the department of orthopaedics in 2014. It consisted of 200 patients with tibial fractures. It involves males (100) and females (100). Patients were informed regarding the study and written consent was taken. Patient data such as name, age, gender etc was recorded. Patients were divided into 2 groups of 100 patients each. Group I treated with plaster cast and Group II treated with fixation with plate and screws. Factors such as time to fracture healing, numbers of delayed union, nonunion and malunion, incidence of infection, and other complications were recorded in all groups.
Results: Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group I treated with plaster cast (100) with 50 males and 50 females. Group II treated with fixation with plate and screws with plaster cast (100) with 50 males and 50 females. The difference was non significant (P>0.05). Non union or delayed union seen in group I was 12% and in group II was 10%. The difference was non significant (P>0.05). Malunion seen in group I was 22% and in group II was 16%. The difference was non significant (P>0.05). There was no superficial infection in group I. In group II, 7% of infection was seen. The difference was significant (P<0.05). The need for reoperation in group I was 8% and in group II was 10%. The difference was non significant (P>0.05). Reason for tibial fractures was road side accident (RSA) (65%), sports injury (25%) and fall from height (10%) in group I. In group II, the reason was road side accident (72%), sports injury (22%) and fall from height (6%). The difference was non significant (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Tibial fractures are becoming common due to road side accidents, fall from height and sports injury. Closed reduction and immobilization and open reduction with plates and screws are widely used. Complications are common with both techniques. Therefore selection of specific treatment modality is essential in preventing complications.
