Comparative study of functional outcome of distal one-third shaft tibia fractures treated with tip locking tibia nailing versus precontoured anatomical locking plate

Background: The distal 1/3rd shaft tibia extra-articular fractures are treated with both tip locking intra-medullary nailing (TLIMN) and precontoured anatomical plates (PCALP). aim of this study was to compare the results TLIMN PCALP in determine dominant strategies. complications functional outcome groups were compared. Methods: Forty patients randomly assigned (group 1) group 2). outcomes evaluated using American Orthopaedic Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Complications like infection, delayed union, non-union, malunion, hardware prominence secondary interventions Results: average union time 15.05±3.33 weeks 1 13.4±2.46 2 (p=0.045). mean AOFAS score at year follow up 89.8±6.13 89.1±6.15 (p=0.262). Five one had mal-alignment. Deep infection present superficial two cases 2. Four developed anterior knee pain five prominence. Conclusions: We conclude that nail is a reliable satisfactory method for treatment AO type 42A, 42B 42C good high rates comparatively low complications. Prevalence malunion higher more prevalent group. Implant removal mostly due implant irritation.