J Korean Fract Soc.  2007 Jan;20(1):13-18. 10.12671/jkfs.2007.20.1.13.

Interlocking Intramedullary Nail in Distal Tibia Fracture

• Shon OJ
• Chung SM

• KMID: 2294373
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2007.20.1.13

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the effectivity of interlocking intramedullary nailing for distal tibia fracture and prognostic factor to bone healing.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From April 2000 to June 2005, 21 cases who had distal tibia fracture were treated by interlocking intramedullary nail were analyzed. The duration of follow-up was more than 1 year. We evaluated clinical results by IOWA ANKLE rating system and union time by simple X-ray. Furthermore, we estimated prognostic factor to union time.
RESULTS
The bone union was achieved at average 18.5 weeks. At the last follow-up, there was no non-union and infection. Average IOWA ANKLE rating score was 91.3 point. The union time was delayed in open and segmental fracture at initial fracture. And severe soft tissue injury in open fracture revealed bad result.
CONCLUSION
We concluded that interlocking intramedullary nail is effective method for treatment of the distal tibial fractures. And, adequate soft tissue management is important to bone healing and clinical outcome.

Keyword

Distal tibia; Interlocking intramedullary nail; Open fracture

MeSH Terms

Ankle
Follow-Up Studies
Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary
Fractures, Open
Iowa
Methods
Soft Tissue Injuries
Tibia*
Tibial Fractures

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) The preoperative radiograph of a 71-year-old male, who had a type II open distal tibiofibular fracture three month ago, shows external fixator applied state. During the external fixation, antibiotic therapy and skin graft operation were done. The wound was not infected and skin was completely covered. (B) The postoperative radiograph shows a relatively satisfactory reduction of the tibia after remove internal fixation with interlocking intramedullary nail and bone graft. (C) The postoperative 1 year radiograph shows good union state of fracture site without complication (union time 20 weeks, IOWA score 90 point, full recovery to prior job).

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