Abstract:

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate outcomes of distal tibia fractures AO/OTA 43 A1, A2, A3 whom we have treated through intramedullary nailing especially for alignment disorders. Materials and Methods: Fifty-five patients with distal tibia fractures AO/OTA type 43A1, A2, A3 (38 males, 17 females, mean age 41.3±15.3 years, mean follow-up period 35.1±9 weeks) who were treated through intramedullary nailing were evaluated retrospectively.  Fracture union status, union time, complications and alignment disorders of the patients were evaluated. Olerud-Molander score was used for clinical evaluation. Results: Union was achieved in all patients. Mean Olerud-Molander score was 88.5 ± 8. Mean varus angle was 0.6 ± 1.4°, mean valgus angle was 2.1 ± 1.9°, mean recurvatum angle was 0.7 ± 1.2°, mean procurvatum angle was 0.3 ± 0.7°, mean rotation angle was 0.5 ± 1.4°. Two patients (3.6%) had varus malunion; 6 patients (10.9%) had valgus malunion, 1 patient (1.8%) had recurvatum malunion and 3 patients (5.5%) had rotation malunion. Conclusion: Successful results are obtained by intramedullary nailing treatment of distal tibia fractures. However, alignment problems, valgus alignment disorder in particular are not a rare complication (10.9%).  A careful evaluation during surgical treatment and different techniques may help to prevent this complication. 

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