Analysis on the functional results of distal tibial fractures in adults treated with distal tibial medial locking plates

Abstract

Even today, distal tibial fractures provide a substantial challenge to the majority of surgeons because they account for only 1–10% of lower extremity fractures and have severe consequences. Despite improvements in both non-operative and surgical therapy, distal tibia fractures are still a contentious topic. The goal of a distal tibia fracture is early functional recovery and realignment of the fracture and limb length.This research was carried out at the Jhalawar Medical College Hospital's Orthopaedics Department. Adult patients who met the inclusion criteria and had 15 occurrences of distal tibial fractures treated with a distal tibial medial locking plate. Patients were assessed clinically and radiologically with the relevant X-rays at each follow-up.At the ending of the follow-up period, patients were evaluated using the "Ovadia and Beals" scoring method, which incorporates both an objective and subjective assessment of the patients. An average of 18 weeks passed before all the fractures healed. One delayed union had a radiological callus development indication that was present for 22 weeks. Six patients (40%) with fractures healed in 16 weeks, six patients (40%) with fractures healed in 18 weeks, two patients (13%) with fractures healed in 20 weeks, and one patient (7%) with fractures healed in 22 weeks. In this study, 60% of the patients (9 patients) had outstanding outcomes, while 13% of the patients (2 patients) had poor results based on objective criteria, and 54% of the patients (8 patients) had excellent results, but 13% of the patients (2 patients) had terrible results based on subjective criteria.Through the use of locking compression plates and MIPPO methods, the distal tibia fractures have obtained close reduction. These fractures have been successfully stabilised as a result of this approach. It does allow for early mobility and offers sufficient stability. Because it makes it easier to preserve the blood supply to the fragment and anatomically reduce the fracture, the close reduction aids in quick union.