Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Abstract
Tibia fractures are among the most common long bone fractures, with distal tibial fractures representing 10‐13% of all tibial fractures. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of different treatment modalities for closed distal tibial fractures, specifically focusing on Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) with plating and Closed Reduction and Internal Fixation (CRIF) with interlocking nails. This descriptive study was conducted over two years at MGM Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad and included 100 patients aged 18‐90 years (mean age: 45.53 years; standard deviation: 17.902). The fractures primarily resulted from road traffic accidents (73%) and falls (27%). The study compared the duration of weight‐bearing, hospital stays, time to return to work, range of motion, callus formation, bone union and functional outcomes between the CRIF with interlocking nail group and the ORIF with plating group. The CRIF with interlocking nail group had significantly shorter durations for nil weight‐bearing (mean: 5.52 weeks), partial weight‐bearing (mean: 10.4 weeks) and full weight‐bearing (mean: 16.02 weeks) compared to the ORIF with plating group (nil weight‐bearing mean: 8.55 weeks., partial weight‐bearing mean: 14.86 weeks., full weight‐bearing mean: 21.14 weeks., p<0.001). The CRIF group also had shorter hospital stays (mean: 5.64 days) compared to the ORIF group (mean: 14.227 days., p<0.001). Additionally, the time to return to work was significantly shorter in the CRIF group (mean: 5.12 weeks) compared to the ORIF group (mean: 6.00 weeks; p<0.001). Significant improvements in range of motion (p=0.015), callus formation (p<0.001) and bone union (p<0.001) were observed over 12 months for both treatment groups. Functional outcomes were also better in the CRIF group, with a higher number of "Excellent" and "Good" outcomes compared to ORIF (p=0.001). ORIF and CRIF both treatment methods were effective, but CRIF offered advantages in quicker rehabilitation and return to normal activities. The study highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate treatment modality based on individual case characteristics to optimize patient outcomes.
How to cite this article:
Mangesh Panat, Girish Gadekar and Sidharth Allahbadia. A Comparison of the Functional Outcome of Closed and Extra‐Articular Distal 1/3rd Tibial Fractures: Interlock Nailing vs. Plating.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2025.2.20.27
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2025.2.20.27