Authors: Pierre Joveniaux Xavier Ohl Alain Harisboure Aboubekr Berrichi Ludovic Labatut Patrick Simon Didier Mainard Nicolas Vix Emile Dehoux
Publish Date: 2009/06/25
Volume: 34, Issue: 4, Pages: 583-588
Abstract
Distal tibia fractures are complex injuries with a high complication rate In this retrospective and multicentre study we attempted to detail complications and outcomes of this type of injury in order to determine predictive factors of poor results Between 2002 and 2004 104 patients were admitted for 105 distal tibia fractures One hundred patients 101 fractures were reviewed with an average followup of 19 months range 12–46 Internal fixation external fixation limited internal fixation Kwires or screws intramedullary nailing and conservative treatment were used Outcome parameters included occurrence of complications radiographic analysis evaluation of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society AOFAS ankle score and measures of the ankle range of motion The average functional score was 76 points range 30–100 points and complications occurred in 30 patients Predictive factors of poor results were fracture severity complications malunion and the use of external fixation We believe that external fixation must be reserved for trauma with severe skin injury as a temporary solution in a twostaged protocol For other cases we recommend ORIF with early mobilisation
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