Investigating the effectiveness of anterolateral distal tibia plate in treating distal tibial fractures in adults: a prospective study

Background: “Pilon” fractures of the distal tibia are a term used usually by orthopaedic surgeons. High-energy trauma and related soft tissue injuries are the main causes. It might be challenging to treat distal one-third of tibial fractures that affect the articular process or not. The objective of this work is to analyze the result of the Anterolateral Distal Tibia Plate in distal tibial fracture treatment in adults. Methods: After receiving permission from the ethical committee, this prospective interventional analysis was conducted among 25 patients who satisfied the inclusion standards and were given anterolateral distal tibia plates. The scoring system created by “Ovadia and Beals” was used to evaluate patients at the conclusion of the follow-up period. Results: The participants in this research varied in age from 18 to 64, with a mean age of 36. 13 patients had a left tibia fracture and 12 patients had a right tibia distal end fracture. There were 4 open GA-I fractures and 21 closed GA-I fractures. 18 patients got fractures as a result of road traffic accidents (“high energy trauma”), and 7 patients sustained a fracture due to a fall (low energy trauma). The union of fracture occurred in 24(96%) patients and 1(4%) case showed delayed union. The average period of union was 18 weeks with the radiological signs of callus formation. 2 patients developed superficial and 1 patient developed deep infection. Conclusions: Distal end tibial fractures especially with intra-articular involvement may be effectively treated by anterolateral plating within a single stage, offers advantages such as adequate fracture exposure, soft tissue preservation, and reliable fracture healing

Management of tibial plateau fractures with compromised soft tissue using hybrid external fixator

Tibial plateau fractures with high energy trauma are complex injury due to its precarious soft tissue envelope. High energy trauma has high incidence of open fractures, articular depression, fracture comminution and displacement, soft tissue injury, and neurovascular compression. It is often difficult to achieve and maintain reduction and commonly predisposes to secondary arthritis. Hybrid external fixator minimizes the iatrogenic soft tissue damage, provides adequate fixation of the fracture, permits early range of motion, easy wound care and leave no large implant in subcutaneous position. This study was performed to evaluate the functional and radiological outcome with this procedure. In this case series, prospective study of 15 cases of tibial plateau fractures were treated with hybrid external fixator at tertiary care teaching hospital in southern Rajasthan from July 2018 to June 2019. The functional and radiological outcome was assessed by Rasmussen functional and radiological score. The mean interval between surgery and union was 16 weeks (range 13 to 18 weeks). Rasmussen functional results were acceptable in 13 cases (86.66%) comprising excellent in 9 (60%), good in 4 (26.66%), and fair in 2 (13.33%). Rasmussen radiological results were acceptable in 13 cases (86.66%) comprising excellent in 9 (60%), good in 4 (26.66%), and fair in 2 (13.33%). Minimal internal and hybrid external fixation for management of tibial plateau fracture with compromised soft tissue is more biological, require less surgical time, less hospital stay, very effective in compromised soft tissue, highly cost effective and has minimal complications with good functional outcome