Outcomes After Intramedullary Nailing of Distal Tibial Fractures. 2015

Christiane G Kruppa, and Martin F Hoffmann, and Debra L Sietsema, and Michelle B Mulder, and Clifford B Jones
*Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners, Grand Rapids, MI; †Department of Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany; ‡College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI; §Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan, Grand Rapids, MI; and ‖School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.

OBJECTIVE To determine outcomes in the treatment of distal tibial fractures treated with intramedullary nails. METHODS Retrospective analysis. METHODS Level I trauma center with follow-up in a private orthopaedic practice. METHODS Radiographic determination of alignment, nonunion, and malunion, clinical outcome (range of motion, and implant-associated complaints), wound complications, and fibular fixation. METHODS A total of 105 patients with OTA/AO type A and C tibial fractures (<11 cm from the joint line) treated with intramedullary nailing. RESULTS Distance of the fracture from the joint line averaged 6.1 cm (range, 0-11). Mean follow-up was 25.6 months (range, 12-74). Nonunion occurred in 20 (19%) fractures and were significantly associated with open fractures (P = 0.012), wound complications (P < 0.001), and the need for fibular fixation (P = 0.007). Sagittal plane alignment averaged 2.5 degrees (±4.4) valgus. Malunion occurred in 25 (23.8%) fractures and again were significantly associated with open fractures (P = 0.045). Fifty (47.6%) patients had implant-related pain, which resolved in 27 (54.0%) after removal. CONCLUSIONS Intramedullary nailing of distal tibial fractures is a suitable treatment option. Acceptable alignment and range of motion can be achieved. Both nonunions and malunions were significantly associated with open fractures, wound complications, and fibular fixation. Implant removal was needed in 25% of cases. METHODS Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D011379 Prognosis A prediction of the probable outcome of a disease based on a individual's condition and the usual course of the disease as seen in similar situations. Prognostic Factor,Prognostic Factors,Factor, Prognostic,Factors, Prognostic,Prognoses
D005260 Female Females
D005594 Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary The use of nails that are inserted into bone cavities in order to keep fractured bones together. Intramedullary Nailing,Nailing, Intramedullary,Osteosynthesis, Fracture, Intramedullary,Fixation, Intramedullary Fracture,Fixations, Intramedullary Fracture,Fracture Fixations, Intramedullary,Intramedullary Fracture Fixation,Intramedullary Fracture Fixations,Intramedullary Nailings,Nailings, Intramedullary
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000293 Adolescent A person 13 to 18 years of age. Adolescence,Youth,Adolescents,Adolescents, Female,Adolescents, Male,Teenagers,Teens,Adolescent, Female,Adolescent, Male,Female Adolescent,Female Adolescents,Male Adolescent,Male Adolescents,Teen,Teenager,Youths
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D000368 Aged A person 65 years of age or older. For a person older than 79 years, AGED, 80 AND OVER is available. Elderly
D000369 Aged, 80 and over Persons 80 years of age and older. Oldest Old

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