Abstract: Introduction: Distal tibial fractures are a common condition seen by orthopaedic physicians each year. The purpose of this study is to compare and evaluate the healing, functional, and complication rates of extra articular distal tibia fractures treated with anterolateral locking compression plates and multidirectional interlocking intramedullary nails.
Materials and Methods: Our study utilized a sample size of 20 individuals who presented with distal tibial fractures. The age range of participants in the nail group was 33 to 55 years, whereas in the plating group, the age range was 27 to 60 years. The current investigation was carried out from February 2015 to December 2015 at the Department of Anesthesiology, Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences, Vikarabad, Telangana, India, utilizing both retrospective and prospective methodologies.
Results: In the plating group, the average time for union was 6.2 months, whereas it was determined to be 4.3 months in the multidirectional interlocking intramedullary group. A statistically significant difference was present. Furthermore, the nailing group's mean duration for both partial and full weight bearing was 4.2 weeks and 9.6 weeks, respectively. This was a statistically significant decrease from the plating group's 6.12 weeks and 12.42 weeks. Compared to the plating group, the interlocking group saw fewer cases of infection, ankle stiffness, and implant discomfort.
Conclusion: Based on our findings, closed intramedullary interlocking nailing is the preferred treatment for distal tibia fractures because it minimizes implant-related problems, facilitates early weight bearing, and encourages early fracture union. Intramedullary nailing or locking plate fixation is recommended for distal tibiofibular fractures.
