Comparative study between Treatment of Distal Tibia Fracture using Intramedullary Expert Nail versus Ilizarov

Background: Distal fracture of the tibia is a fracture of diaphyseal-metaphyseal area of distal tibia. It may extend to the articular surface. Aim: This study aimed to compare the result of using expert nail and Ilizarov in treatment of distal tibia fracture. Patients and methods: This was a prospective comparative study conducted on 20 patients attending at Emergency Room of Al-Hussein university hospital, Ahmed Maher Teaching hospital. patients were divided into two groups according to the type of surgical intervention: Group (A):10 patients operated by expert nail and Group (B): 10 patients operated by Ilizarov. Results: There was no statistical significant difference between the two studied groups regarding Trauma and Fracture types, major complication, malunion and radiological outcome p>0.05, but regarding minor complication, there was a significant difference (p= 0.01). The Total score in Ilizarov group ranged from 38 to 92 with mean ± SD = 73.8 ± 16.84 while in IM nail group the Total score ranged from 8 to 74 with mean ± SD = 43.1 ± 26.81 with statistical significant difference (p= 0.008) between the two groups. Conclusion: Adult distal tibia fracture can be effectively fixed with expert nail which have less invasive technique, less complications, better biochemical and biological advantage, more satisfaction, allow early mobilization and weight bearing as load sharing device and superior functional outcome in comparison with ilizarov in management of distal tibia fracture.