Author(s): Dr. Krunal Soni and Dr. Jil Patel

Abstract: Introduction: Distal tibia fractures often caused by high energy axial compressive, direct bending or low energy rotation forces. These fractures constitute less than 7% of all the tibial fracture and less than 10% of all lower extremity fractures. Management of distal tibia fracture is challenging because of its subcutaneous location with precarious blood supply, proximity to the ankle joint and associated soft tissue injury. Numerous features are responsible for this, but perhaps none are as difficult as the accompanying soft tissue injury that is frequently present. They are associated with gross swelling, skin injury and blisters because of subcutaneous location. Skin condition determines the timing of surgery. The aim of treating the fracture is to preserve normal mechanical axis, ensure joint stability and restore a near full range of motion. This is a difficult task to accomplish in each and every case as we face compromised soft tissue condition and variable bone quality. Available options for stabilizing fractures are closed reduction and intramedullary interlocking (IMIL) nailing or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plating or closed reduction and percutaneous plating (MIPPO) or external fixators. The factors determining the fixation methods are pattern of fracture, quality of bone and condition of soft tissues. In our study, we are trying to evaluate and compare the results of fixation of distal tibia fractures with different modalities of treatment.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33545/orthor.2018.v2.i3b.64