5 years follow up outcome of extra articular distal shaft of tibia fracture treated by interlock nail

Abstract

Aims: To Study the outcome of distal tibia fractures by interlock nailing for a long time duration. Methods and Material: 36 patients with distal tibia fractures, within 6cms of ankle joint and not involving articular surface were studied who were treated with interlock nailing from the period of July 2012 upto September 2014. Regular radiographs and measurement of Ankle range of movement was done. Last follow up was at least 5 years from date of surgery. Results: Out of the 36 patients accessed, 34 patients had union.2 patients had deep infection which required implant removal and external fixator as mode of treatment, which eventually united. 16 patients (44.44%) required implant removal at mean duration of 3.2 years. Conclusions: Various methods of treatment of distal tibia fractures can be used in different conditions and closed reduction, internal fixation with interlock nailing is the treatment of choice for these fractures. Choice of implant, plate or nail, does not change outcome for implant removal re-surgery in long term follow-up.