J Korean Fract Soc.  2004 Jul;17(3):243-248. 10.12671/jkfs.2004.17.3.243.

Anterolateral Approach for the Distal Metaphyseal Fracture of the Tibia

• Jeon TS
• Lim JW
• Chung WY
• Lee WS
• Kim WS
• Hwang CM
• Kim YC
• Kim NH
• Kim YS
• Jo SK

• KMID: 1583682
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2004.17.3.243

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of anterolateral approach of the ankle for the distal tibial fracture in aspect of preventing complication and acquiring union.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Authors reviewed 21 patients of distal metaphyseal fracture of the tibia treated by anterolateral approach and lateral plating method from February, 2000 to May, 2002. Mean follow-up period was 17 months (12~29 months). There were twelve type A, two type B, and four type C patients according to AO/OTA classification. We have analyzed the bone union rate and Ovadia`s functional scale. We also reviewed the complication rate, such as soft tissue problem and postoperative infection.
RESULTS
In all cases union was achieved and mean time to union were 16 weeks. The functional result by Ovadia's scale were 17 excellent cases and 4 good cases in objective evaluation, and 19 excellent cases and 2 good cases in subjective evaluation. Wound infection occurred in one case, but the infection was controlled after plate removal and the union was acquired through cast immobilization. There was no other complication, such as soft tissue necrosis.
CONCLUSION
The anterolateral approach is a safe and worthwhile method for distal tibia fracture while avoiding some of the complication associated with standard anteromedial approach and plating method.

Keyword

Distal tibial fracture; Anterolateral approach; Mayborne anatomical plate

MeSH Terms

Ankle
Classification
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Immobilization
Necrosis
Tibia*
Tibial Fractures
Wound Infection