Fibular fixation for distal third tibia shaft fractures evidently improves tibial valgus and ankle function

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2015.31.016

Abstract

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Fractures of shafts of the tibia and fibula are the most common diaphyseal fractures among all long bones. The clinical significance of fibula fixation in treatment of distal third shaft fractures is controversial, and the studies are also different.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical significance of fibular fixation in treatment of distal third tibia shaft fractures.
METHODS: A retrospective review has been performed on the clinical data of sixty-four cases with distal third tibia shaft fracture in Department of Orthopedics, China National Offshore Oil Corporation General Hospital from January 2006 to March 2010. All cases were divided into two groups based on whether the fibula was fixed or not: fibula fixation group (n=36) and fibula non-fixation group (n=28). Union rate of fracture, bone union time and tibial valgus angle were compared between the two groups. According to Merchant-Dietz criteria, the ankle range of motion and ankle evaluation score were evaluated and compared between the two groups.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: No significant difference in union rate of fracture, bone union time and ankle range of motion was detected between two groups. Tibial valgus angle was smaller in the fibula fixation group (5.42±1.16)° than in the fibula non-fixation group (7.54±1.90)°(P=0.006). Ankle function score was higher in the fibula fixation group (93.58±0.97) than in the fibula non-fixation group (90.57±3.92) (P=0.000). Three cases in the fibula fixation group suffered from superficial wound infection, and achieved good healing after treatment of anti-infection and changing dresses. Above results verify that fibular fixation can reduce tibial valgus angle and improve ankle joint function in treatment of distal third tibia fractures.

中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：人工关节；骨植入物；脊柱；骨折；内固定；数字化骨科；组织工程

Key words: Tibial Fractures, Fibula, Fracture Fixation, Fracture Healing

CLC Number:

R318

Shi Rui-ming, Feng Shi-qing. Fibular fixation for distal third tibia shaft fractures evidently improves tibial valgus and ankle function[J]. Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research, 2015, 19(31): 5004-5010.

Figures/Tables 8

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