Suprapatellar Approach for Intramedulary Tibial Nailing in Semi Extended Position of Knee Joint - Case Series Study

One of the recently suggested safe and effective surgical techniques for tibial fractures is suprapatellar nailing in semi extended position. The aim of this study is to understand the clinical, functional and radiological outcome and complication for tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing through suprapatellar approach in semi extended position of knee. From October 2015 to October 2017, a prospective study was done among 20 patients to understand the clinical, radiological and functional outcome and complication for tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing through suprapatellar approach in semi extended position of knee at a tertiary care center. All results were tabulated in Microsoft Excel and analysed using IBM SPSS v16. The majority of them were males (n=18, 90%). Around 80% (n=16) were open fractures and 20% (n=4) are closed fractures. Out of 16 open fractures, six of them (37.5%) were Grade - I and 10 (62.5%) were Grade - II fractures. Around 90% (n=18) had no complications. The mean duration of surgery is 75 minutes (S. D=15 minutes) while the mean loss of blood is 80 ml (n=20 ml). The mean follow - up period was 10.5 months. The mean duration of union was 16 weeks. The mean LEFS score was 72/80. A correct starting point remains a crucial part of surgical procedure. Suprapatellar approach of intramedullary tibial nailing in semi extended position of knee offers an alternative to traditional infrapatellar approach. Future studies can focus on doing similar studies in multiple centres to increase the reliability of the results.