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Published in: International Orthopaedics 7/2012

01-07-2012 | Original Paper

Comparison of low, multidirectional locked nailing and plating in the treatment of distal tibial metadiaphyseal fractures

Authors: Yong Li, Lei Liu, Xin Tang, Fuxing Pei, Guanglin Wang, Yue Fang, Hui Zhang, Nicolas Crook

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 7/2012

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the results of a new technique for low, multidirectional locked nailing with closed reduction and minimally invasive plating in the treatment of distal tibial metadiaphyseal fractures.

Methods

Forty-six matched patients were divided according to age, gender, Injury Severity Score, and fracture pattern into group A (expert tibial nailing) and group B (minimally invasive plating). Then, the patients were followed up, and the clinical and radiographic results were retrospectively analysed.

Results

The mean followed-up was 24.7 ± 2.7 months in group A and 25.8 ± 2.8 months in group B. No patient had nonunion, shortening, hardware breakdown, or deep-seated infection. Patients in group A had a significantly shorter mean operating time, hospital stay, full weight-bearing time and union time (76 ± 16.6 vs. 90 ± 20.3 minutes, p = 0.000; 5.8 ± 2.1 vs. 8.9 ± 3.1 days, p = 0.000; 9.0 ± 1.4 vs. 11.1 ± 1.7 weeks, p = 0.000; and 21.3 ± 3.5 vs. 23.1 ± 3.6 weeks, p = 0.047, respectively). Three patients in group A and one patient in group B presented with malalignment (p = 0.608). The mean Olerud-Molander Ankle score was 89.0 ± 7.1 in group A and 87.6 ± 8.4 in group B (p = 0.478).

Conclusions

Distal tibia metadiaphyseal fractures may be treated successfully with low, multidirectional locked nails or plates. However, low, multidirectional locked nailing may represent a superior surgical option, since it offers advantages in terms of mean operating time, hospital stay, full weight-bearing time and union time.
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Metadata
Title
Comparison of low, multidirectional locked nailing and plating in the treatment of distal tibial metadiaphyseal fractures
Authors
Yong Li
Lei Liu
Xin Tang
Fuxing Pei
Guanglin Wang
Yue Fang
Hui Zhang
Nicolas Crook
Publication date
01-07-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Orthopaedics / Issue 7/2012
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-012-1494-9

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