Comparison of different locking plate fixation methods in distal tibia fractures

Purpose The aim of our study was to assess the outcome of locking plate fixation of distal tibia fractures and evaluate which surgical approach and method of plate fixation is related to better functional result and lower complication rate. Methods A retrospective analysis of treatment of 45 patient...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International orthopaedics 2015-11, Vol.39 (11), p.2245-2251
Main Authors: Piątkowski, Krzysztof, Piekarczyk, Piotr, Kwiatkowski, Krzysztof, Przybycień, Mateusz, Chwedczuk, Bartłomiej
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Ankle Fractures - surgery
Bone Plates
Bone Screws
Female
Fracture Fixation, Internal - adverse effects
Fracture Fixation, Internal - methods
Fractures, Ununited - etiology
Fractures, Ununited - surgery
Humans
Intra-Articular Fractures - surgery
Male
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Middle Aged
Original Paper
Orthopedics
Recovery of Function
Reoperation
Retrospective Studies
Tibial Fractures - surgery
Treatment Outcome
Young Adult
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Summary:Purpose The aim of our study was to assess the outcome of locking plate fixation of distal tibia fractures and evaluate which surgical approach and method of plate fixation is related to better functional result and lower complication rate. Methods A retrospective analysis of treatment of 45 patients was made. Patients were divided into two subgroups regarding surgical approach (medial vs anterior) and fixation method (bridge plating vs rigid fixation). Time from injury to full bone union was noted, and clinical outcome was assessed by AOFAS score. Results Nonunion was the most prevalent complication and was observed in 26.6 % of patients. Infection rate was 11.1 %. Higher rate of bone union complications was noted in the anterior approach group with anterolateral anatomical plate. Infection and re-operation rates were similar in all subgroups. There were no correlations between fracture extension, length of plate and screw placement with bone healing time and AOFAS score. Conclusions Outcome of plate fixation of distal tibia fracture did not depend on the fixation method or surgical approach but, when possible, the medial plating via MIPO technique is a favourable method of treatment.
ISSN:0341-2695
1432-5195
DOI:10.1007/s00264-015-2906-4