Brooker Intramedually Nailing for the Treatment of Distal 1/3 Tibial Fractures with Compromised Soft Tissue

Kang, Chung Nam; Kim, Jong Oh; Yun, Yeo Hon; Kim, Dong Wook; Koh, Young Do; Yoo, Jae Doo; Oh, Jong Keon; Lee, Ki Woong

Abstract

The treatment of distal tibial fractures with compromised soft tissue poses many problems that usually occurs from the high-energy trauma, and the results are often unsatisfactory following lots of complications like loss of reduction, malunion, and inlection. We studied to evaluate the treatment results of Brooker intramedually nailing for the distal 1/3 tibial fractures with compromised soft tissue. Twenty-three cases of distal tibial fractures with comprolnised soft tissue were reviewed and we analyzed the results of surgical treatment in the viewpoint of union time, loss of reduction, malunion, complication and its final outcome. The range of follow-up was 24 months to 38 months with mean 29 months follow-up. Most of patients were between twenty and sixty years, and average age was 43.2 years. Acording to Gustilo and Andersons classification, 3 were Type I, 2 were Type II of 5 open fractures. According to Tschernes classification, 13 were Grade I, 5 were Grade II of 18 closed fractures. The average to union was 15 weeks with range 11 to 20 weeks. The healing was slowest in Tschernes Type II and fastest in Tschernes Type I fracture. There were 3 cases of malunion, more than 5 degrees. All of the 3 cases were posterior angulation. Only 1 case was the loss of reduction. This case was 3 to 10 degrees of varus angulation. There were 3 cases of superficial infection. The infection was controlled with antibiotic therapy. Only 1 case was acceptable of the final outcome. This case waf limping gait because of pain and loss of ankle dorsiflexion to 15 degrees. But, the limitation of ordinary work was not seen. And 18 cases were excellent and 4 cases were good. We recommand that wherever possible, Brooker intramedually nailing can be used for distal tibial fractures with compromised soft tissue. And a high rate of union and a low rate of complication can be expected with thit treatment modality.