Comparison between malleolar locking plate and metaphyseal locking plate for the management of the distal tibial fracture

M. Gulam Mustofa; Avishek Bhadra; Sushmoy Saha; Sabbir Ahmed

doi:10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20241701

Authors

M. Gulam Mustofa Department of Orthopaedics, President Abdul Hamid Medical College Hospital, Kishoregonj, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Avishek Bhadra Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, President Abdul Hamid Medical College Hospital, Kishoregonj, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Sushmoy Saha Department of Orthopaedics, President Abdul Hamid Medical College Hospital, Kishoregonj, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Sabbir Ahmed Department of Orthopaedics, President Abdul Hamid Medical College Hospital, Kishoregonj, Dhaka, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20241701

Keywords:

Distal tibia fracture, Pilon, Locking plates, LEFS, Fracture alignment

Abstract

Background: A pilon fracture is a distal tibial metaphyseal fracture that involves the ankle joint. Distal tibia fractures include extra-articular fractures of the metaphysis and the more severe intraarticular tibial plafond or pilon fractures. Several treatment methods have been recommended for the treatment of these injuries, with a recent emphasis on minimally invasive techniques. This research studies the outcome of a malleolar locking plate (M) versus a metaphyseal locking plate (P) in the management of distal tibial (Pilon) fracture.

Methods: Distal tibial M and P were used to treat 80 cases of tibial pilon fracture. The study examined the use of anterior/ anteromedial approach for tibia and posterolateral/ lateral fibular fixation.

Results: The male to female gender ratio was 2.63 in M and 1.35 in P. Mean age was 57.03±15.93 (M) and 52.1±12.788 (P). Surgeries were mostly done within 1 day to 1 week. Mean hospital stay was 6.43±4.545 (M) and 4.93±4.676 (P). The mean lower extremity functional score (LEFS) was 66.55 (M) and 67.15 (P) with 83.56% maximal function. 3 P cases had infections. No infections were seen in M group at the end of the 12^th week follow-up.

Conclusions: The results of the study indicate that there is no significant difference in terms of LEFS criteria, union, fracture alignment, range of motion (knee and ankle), infection, and other outcome measures between M fixation and P in the treatment of distal tibia fracture in adults.

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