Comparing the Outcome of Expert Tibia Nailing and Plating for Distal Tibial Fractures
A Randomised Trial Comparing the Outcome of Expert Tibia Nailing and Plating for Distal Tibial Fractures.
Ann Afr Med . 2025 Apr 1;24(2):384-390.Sixty patients with closed or Grade I open distal tibial fractures were randomized to receive either expert tibia nailing (ETN) (n=30) or plating (n=30). The primary outcome was fracture union, assessed clinically and radiologically. Secondary outcomes included complications (such as infections, malunion, delayed union, and nonunion), range of motion (ROM) measured by AOFAS score, operating time, and blood loss. Outcomes were assessed at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-surgery. Overall, the results revealed that both groups had similar union times and functional scores, but the ETN group had significantly less operating time, blood loss, and superficial infections. These findings suggest that ETN and plating provide comparable fracture healing outcomes, but ETN has advantages in reducing superficial infection rates, blood loss, and operating time.
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