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Distal Tibial Fractures: Intramedullary Nailing

  • Focus on Distal Tibial Fractures
  • Published:
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The tibia is an exposed bone with vulnerable soft tissue coverage and is therefore predisposed to local soft tissue problems and delayed bone healing. The objective in distal tibial fracture treatment is to achieve stable fixation patterns with a minimum of soft-tissue affection. Thus, the risk of soft tissue breakdown and bone healing complications is more likely related to open reduction and plating. Percutaneous, minimally invasive intramedullary nailing is a proven fixation mode for fracture stabilization in tibial shaft fractures. Anticipating the pitfalls, intramedullary nailing meets the requirements of the method of choice in distal tibial fracture fixation. In conclusion, intramedullary nailing of distal tibial fractures is a reliable method of fixation, possessing the advantages of closed reduction and symmetric fracture stabilization of an area with a delicate soft tissue situation, but prospective randomized trials are needed to compare modern intramedullary fracture fixation with modern plate fixation in distal tibial fractures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany

    Andreas H. Ruecker MD, Michael Hoffmann, Martin E. Rupprecht & Johannes M. Rueger

  2. Department of Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany

    Andreas H. Ruecker MD

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  1. Andreas H. Ruecker MD
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  2. Michael Hoffmann
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  3. Martin E. Rupprecht
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  4. Johannes M. Rueger
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Correspondence to Andreas H. Ruecker MD.

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Ruecker, A.H., Hoffmann, M., Rupprecht, M.E. et al. Distal Tibial Fractures: Intramedullary Nailing. Eur J Trauma 35, 520–526 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-009-9185-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-009-9185-y

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