The application of intramedullary nails and transmedullary support screws in surgical treatment of distal tibia fracture

Abstract

Introduction. Fractures of the distal tibia are a difficult treatment problem due to the specific anatomy of this area and the soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma. A distal fracture is short, has a wide marrow cavity, and the asymmetric muscle forces acting on it can cause secondary displacements despite the originally correct positioning. Against the background of the problems presented above, the fixation with an intramedullary nail (IMN) with the use of TMS (trans medullary support) screws directional screws seems to be the best alternative for treatment.Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone fracture repositioning after surgical treatment of tibia fracture, the time of bone healing and the function of the upper ankle joint.Materials and methods. Forty patients treated surgically due to a fracture of the distal tibia with the use of an intramedullary nail and TMS screws were included in this study. The mean follow-up time was 25.3 months. The function of the ankle joint of the injured limb was evaluated using the AOFAS, VAS and SF-36 questionnaires. Radiological documentation was assessed in terms of correct bone fragment repositioning, placement of directional screws and correct union of the fibula. Post-operative X-rays as well as X-rays taken at the end of treatment in AP and lateral projection were also assessed, evaluating LDTA (lateral distal tibial angle) and ADTA (anterior distal tibial angle). Results. The function of the ankle joint after surgical treatment of a distal tibia fracture using the IMN + TMS method is as follows: AOFAS score 91.5, VAS 2.2 / 10 points. The range of motion of the ankle joint: the angles of ankle movement were significantly greater in the case of the uninjured limb compared to the injured one. Bone union was obtained in all patients. In 80% of patients, it was achieved in less than 6 months. Assessment of repositioning after surgery – mean LDTA angle after surgery was 89 and mean ADTA angle after surgery was 86 (standard LDTA 90, ADTA 85). Conclusions. The function of the ankle joint after treatment of a distal tibial fracture with an intramedullary nail and TMS screws according to the AOFAS and VAS scale was very good and allowed for the anatomical bone fragment fixation. The bone healing after fixation of the distal tibial fracture with an intramedullary nail and TMS screws was shorter than 6 month in most cases.

Keywords

• distal tibia fractures
• Goldzak classification
• intramedullary nail
• TMS screw