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Intramedullary nailing versus percutaneous locked plating of distal extra-articular tibial fractures: a retrospective study

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Abstract

The aim of this study is to compare distal tibial fractures (4–10 cm proximal to the plafond) treated by intramedullary nailing with those treated by percutaneous locked plating and to assess the clinical and radiographic results, complication rates, and the need for secondary procedures. Thirty-six patients received percutaneous locked plate treatment and 25 patients received intramedullary nail treatment. The results obtained from these two treatment methods were assessed by comparing infection rates, starting time for wight-bearing, local implant irritation, union and malunion rates and along with secondary procedures. In the percutaneous locked plate group, two deep infections, four superficial infections, two nonunions, one malunion and 10 local implant irritations were observed. In the intramedullary nail group, one nonunion, four malunions and two local implant irritations were observed. The incidence of deep and superficial infections, local implant irritations and secondary procedures in the percutaneous locked plate group was greater than those in the intramedullary nail group. The time to full weight bearing was shorter in the intramedullary nail group. There was no significant statistical difference in malunion and nonunion rates between the two groups. The need for secondary procedures was more common in group receiving the percutaneous locked plate treatment and the time to full weight bearing was shorter in the intramedullary nail group.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Kadikoy Acibadem Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

    Mustafa Seyhan

  2. Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Kadikoy Goztepe Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

    Koray Unay

  3. Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Bursa Acibadem Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

    Nadir Sener

Authors
  1. Mustafa Seyhan
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  2. Koray Unay
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  3. Nadir Sener
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Correspondence to Koray Unay.

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Seyhan, M., Unay, K. & Sener, N. Intramedullary nailing versus percutaneous locked plating of distal extra-articular tibial fractures: a retrospective study. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 23, 595–601 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-012-1016-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-012-1016-x

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