Retrospective analysis of AO 42A-B type tibia fractures treated with percutaneus locked plating and intramedullary nailing

BACKGROUND: In this study, the results of AO 42A and 42B type tibia fractures treated with intramedullary nail (IMN) and percutaneus locking plate (PLP) were evaluated. The complications were examined, and it was questioned whether the type of fixation had an effect on union time and functional results. METHODS: Forty-two patients with extraarticular distal tibial fractures were enrolled in this retrospective study. Eighteen patients were treated with closed IMN (Group I) and 24 patients were treated with PLP fixation (Group II). Mean age was 41 (range: 16-70) years; thirty-two of the patients were men. Fractures were classified according to the AO classification system. Union time, functional results and complications (malunion, malalignment, infection) were compared. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery (AOFAS) scoring was used to compare functional results. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 20 (12-32) months for Group I and 23 (13-36) months for Group II. The average union time was 16 (12-24) weeks in Group I and 19 (range: 16-24) weeks in Group II (p=0.002). The AOFAS scoring was 85 (range: 69-100) points in Group I and 81 (range: 60-95) points in Group II. The difference in AOFAS scoring was not significant (p=0.06). Two patients had nonunion in Group II. Two patients in Group I and three patients in Group II had malalignment. DISCUSSION: We suggest that IMN can provide early healing time. Although it is not statistically significant, complication rate was lower and functional results were better in patients treated with IMN.