Observational Study: Intramedullary Nailing versus Plating in Distal Tibial Metaphyseal Fractures

Background: The mechanism of injury and the prognosis of extraarticular distal tibia fractures are different from pilon fractures, but their proximity to the ankle makes the surgical treatment more complicated than the treatment of tibial midshaft fractures. Methods: A total number of 30 patients with distal tibia metaphyseal fractures were enrolled. They were randomly divided into two groups.15 of which were treated with intra-medullary nailing and 15 were treated with distal tibia plate. Results: In our study total 30 patients were treated by intramedullary nail (15 patients) and plating (15 patients) with mean age of 36.6 years and 43.47 years respectively. The mean time for Full weight bearing was 13.2 weeks (range 8-20 weeks) and 16.64 weeks (range 14-20 weeks) respectively. The mean time for radiological union was 20.33 weeks in Interlocking nail group that was significantly less than in plating group i. e.23.21 weeks. Conclusion: We conclude that i. m. interlocking nail is a reliable and satisfactory method for the treatment distal tibia metaphyseal fractures with good functional results and high union rates with comparatively low complications.