A Comparative Study between Results of Extraarticular Distal Tibia Fractures Fixed by Minimally Invasive Locked Plate versus Expert Nail

Background: Expert Tibial Nail is useful for all extra-articular tibia fractures since it offers several proximal and distal locking options. Objective: This study compared the outcomes of adult extra-articular distal tibial fractures treated with expert nail versus minimally invasive locked plate. Patients and methods: Forty patients, both sexes, over the age of eighteen, with extra-articular distal tibia fractures, open fractures grade I, recent fractures that manifested within two weeks of injury, and with or without fibular fractures were included in this prospective investigation. There were two equal groups of patients: Group A patients who were fixed by locked plate utilising the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique, whereas group B patients were treated by expert Nail. Results: In both groups, the operational time varied considerably (P<0.01). Intra operative blood loss, fracture union time and post-operative weight bearing were significantly different between both groups. Age, sex and complication were insignificantly different between scores from the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). Smoking status also did not seem to affect AOFAS scores in group A, but there was a trend towards lower scores in smokers versus non-smokers in group B that neared significance. Conclusions: Both MIPO and Expert intramedullary interlocking nailing (ILN) techniques can achieve favorable outcomes for extra-articular distal tibial fractures in adults. Patient preferences, surgeon experience, soft tissue state, and fracture pattern may all influence the decision between MIPO and intramedullary nailing.