The Use of a Distal Tibial Locking Plate to Manage Distal Tibial Fractures: Our Experience
Author(s): Muhammad Imran Javed, Aftab Alam Khanzada, Ghazanfar Ali Shah, Niaz Hussain Keerio*, Nizam Ahmed, Muhammad Rafique Joyo and Syed Shahid Noor
Abstract
Aim: stable fixation and early pain-free mobilization are becoming increasingly popular in fracture treatment. The findings of a prospective cohort research including distal tibial fracture repair using a distal tibial locking plate are presented in this paper, as well as their assessment in terms of precise anatomical reduction, secure fixation, and early functional restoration. Materials and methods: Distal tibial locking device was used to treat thirty patients with distal tibial fractures ranging in age from 18 to 70. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society's (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score was utilized in this research to predict the study's outcome. Results: The findings of a prospective cohort research including distal tibial fracture repair using a distal tibial locking plate are presented in this article, with partial articular fractures accounting for 20% and full articular fractures accounting for 16%. Eight of the thirty patients had a superficial infection, whereas two had a deep infection. There were six instances when there was a union by 15 weeks, twelve cases by 21 weeks, eight cases by 29 weeks, and four cases had nonunion. Six instances had an AOFAS score of 30 to 70 at six months, while 24 cases had a score of 71 to 100. Conclusion: This study's results are consistent with what is presently known regarding the treatment of distal tibial fractures using locking plates. As a result, a locking compression plate is a good way to keep a distal tibial fracture stable. Clinical significance: For distal tibial fractures, locking plates are an effective therapeutic option, particularly when utilized in combination with proper intraoperative soft tissue therapy and patient involvement in the rehabilitation program. The study into this novel approach contributes to our existing understanding of how to treat distal tibial fractures.