Intramedullary nailing versus plating for distal tibia fractures without articular involvement: a meta-analysis

28 studies (5 randomized controlled trials, 23 retrospective studies) were included in this meta-analysis comparing intramedullary nailing and plating in the treatment of distal tibial fractures. Data on complications and functional outcomes were pooled, and analyses were performed separately for randomized controlled trials and retrospective studies. For data from randomized controlled trials, the only significant difference that was observed was a lower rate of wound healing problems or superficial infection following intramedullary nailing.