Intramedullary nailing vs. plate osteosynthesis for the management of tibial distal fractures: Clinical and radiological comparison

Authors

  • Carlos Eduardo Afanador Bayona Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. Medellín, Colombia
  • Álvaro Villa Vélez Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana. Medellín, Colombia
  • Carlos Augusto Rodríguez Mora Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana. Medellín, Colombia
  • José Luis Moore Velásquez Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana. Medellín, Colombia
  • Luis Hernando Atehortúa Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana. Medellín, Colombia
  • Andrés Eduardo Toro Montoya Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. Medellín, Colombia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0120-8845(13)70011-7

Keywords:

tibial fractures, fracture fixation, intramedullary, bone plates, fracture fixation, internal, evidence level: IV

Abstract

Introduction: The surgical treatment of distal fractures of the tibia is controversial, with several studies showing no superiority of one technique over the other. The research objectives were to compare the clinical, radiological and functional results of patients managed with intramedullary nail and plate osteosynthesis for distal tibial fractures.
Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 25 patients with distal tibial fractures that occurred between April 2009 and March 2011. A record was made of presence of clinical and radiological consolidation of fractures, in addition to the application of the functional scale (IOWA). The duration of surgery, hospital stay, time between admission and definitive surgery was also recorded.
Results: All fractures healed at similar follow-up times. There was no difference in the clinical and radiological consolidation between osteosynthesis groups. Functional results were excellent in both groups. Although not statistically significant, the duration of surgery, hospital stay and the time between hospital admissions until the final assessment favored the intramedullary nail.
Discussion: Consolidating clinical, radiological and functional outcomes were similar between groups. The superiority of one method over another cannot be concluded, but it is suggested that the choice should be made based on experience and preference of the surgeon.

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Author Biographies

Carlos Eduardo Afanador Bayona, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. Medellín, Colombia

Médico, residente de Ortopedia y Traumatología, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia.

Álvaro Villa Vélez, Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana. Medellín, Colombia

Médico ortopedista y traumatólogo. Jefe del Servicio de Ortopedia y Traumatología, Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia.

Carlos Augusto Rodríguez Mora, Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana. Medellín, Colombia

Médico ortopedista y traumatólogo, Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia.

José Luis Moore Velásquez, Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana. Medellín, Colombia

Médico ortopedista y traumatólogo, Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia.

Luis Hernando Atehortúa, Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana. Medellín, Colombia

Médico ortopedista y traumatólogo, Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia.

Andrés Eduardo Toro Montoya, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. Medellín, Colombia

Médico general, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia.

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Published

2013-09-25

How to Cite

1.
Afanador Bayona CE, Villa Vélez Álvaro, Rodríguez Mora CA, Moore Velásquez JL, Atehortúa LH, Toro Montoya AE. Intramedullary nailing vs. plate osteosynthesis for the management of tibial distal fractures: Clinical and radiological comparison. Rev. Colomb. Ortop. Traumatol. [Internet]. 2013 Sep. 25 [cited 2025 May 10];27(3):149-54. Available from: https://revistasccotorg.biteca.online/index.php/rccot/article/view/478

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Section

Original research