Intra-articular fractures of the distal tibia

In a study of 23 intra-articular fractures of the distal tibia of which 18 were re-examined after an average follow-up period of 5.4 years, two major fracture patterns were identified: type A, a rotational pattern, caused by low energy trauma and type B, a compressive fracture pattern caused by high energy trauma. Type B fractures could be divided into three subgroups: 1) An isolated fracture of the anterior or posterior margin of the distal tibia, 2) an extra-articular comminuted fracture with extension into the ankle joint and 3) a comminuted intra-articular fracture. When the initial displacement and comminution were severe or the reduction was not complete, the final results of the comminuted intra-articular fractures were not acceptable. The incidence of osteoarthritis was highest in the group of comminuted intra-articular fractures. The extra-articular comminuted fractures seemed to have a better prognosis as indicated by the final clinical results, including the occurrence of osteoarthritis. It is clear from this study that comminuted intra-articular fractures should not be treated by primary operation. All fractures treated non-operatively had acceptable final clinical results.