ABSTRACT
Background: Distal tibial fractures accounts for approximately 37.8% of all tibial injuries affecting all ages. Treatment of distal tibial fractures in skeletally mature patients is challenging because of its unique anatomical characteristics of subcutaneous location with weak blood supply and proximity to the ankle joint.
Objective: To compare the results of fixation of extra-articular distal tibial fractures in adults by ILN vs. distal tibial locked plate with MIPPO.
Patients and methods: This study was done at Al-Azhar University Hospital, during the period of January 2020 to December 2020. 20 patients were recruited for this study to compare ILN vs. distal tibial locked plate with MIPPO technique in fixation of extra-articular distal tibial fractures. Patients were assessed clinically using Olerud and Molander score and radiologically at 6months.
Results: Age range of the patients was 20-57yr. Most common mode of trauma was RTA. Associated fibula fracture was present in 9 (90%) of patients in both groups. Difference between 2 groups regarding demographic data, AO classification, operative time wasn't significant .No significant intraoperative complications were noted in both groups. The average time for union was 13.10 weeks (range, 12-16 weeks) in group 1 and 16.78 weeks (range, 12-24 weeks), Malunion was found in 20% of patients in group 1 and 10% of patients in group2.
Conclusion: The overall results were comparable and most patients were satisfied with the results. These results indicate that both modalities of treatment deserve a place in treating distal Tibial fractures.