Minimally Invasive Plate Versus Intramedullary Interlocking Nailing In Distal Third Tibia Fractures

Prospective study of sixty patients with distal tibia fracture who underwent surgical fixation at Sri Ramachandra University between June 2010 -June 2013. Of the 60 patients included in our study 30 underwent closed intramedullary interlocking nail and 30 were treated with plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). Patients were followed up for clinical and radiological evaluation using modified Klernn and Borner scoring system at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 year. Plate osteosynthesis by minimally invasive technique and intramedullary interlocking nailing are equally effective methods of stabilisation for distal tibia fracture when considering the union rates and final functional outcome. However malunion, nonunion and secondary procedures were more frequent after intramedullary interlocking nail. Concurrent fibula fixation with plate osteosynthesis will minimise the incidence of malunion for distal tibia fractures. Randomized prospective evaluation of distal tibia fractures may clarify the efficacy of plate versus nail treatment and optimize the patient care.