A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON CLINICAL, FUNCTIONAL & RADIOLOGICAL OUTCOMES OF NAILING VS. PLATING IN PATIENTS HAVING FRACTURE DISTAL TIBIA.

Introduction: The treatment approach for meta diaphyseal fractures is distinct from that for articular impaction "pilon" fractures and mid-shaft diaphyseal injuries. The conservative management of distal diaphyseal or metaphyseal tibia fractures presents difculties, and specialists still discuss the best surgical method. When surgery is necessary, surgeons must choose between plating and antegrade intramedullary nailing. Objectives: A comparative analysis of two series of patients operated with MIPO plating and ante-grade intra-medullary interlock nailing will be presented in this study, with a focus on their functional outcomes, complications, and other important parameters. Methods: A total of forty patients participated in the study and were subsequently divided into two groups, with twenty individuals in each group. Prior to this division, the patients were informed about the advantages and disadvantages of both surgical techniques: Group A underwent plating, while Group B received intramedullary nailing (IMN). Patients were advised to engage in partial weight bearing, with full weight bearing permitted upon the observation of calcied callus formation. Follow-up assessments were conducted at six weeks, three months, six months, and nine months post-surgery. Results: Every patient was monitored for a year. In both groups, the time it took for callus to form was equal. In our series, one case of plating had malunion. In the nailing group, non-union was more prevalent. Both groups had OMAS score. Conclusion: When treating distal tibial extra-particular fractures, MIPO and intramedullary nailing are both efcient therapeutic strategies with similar functional results.