Percutaneous locking plates for fractures of the distal tibia: Our experience and a review of literature

Background: Distal tibia fractures are rare fractures of lower limb. This study assessed the outcomes of distal tibial fractures treated with percutaneous locking plates. Methods: 50 patients were selected based on the fracture pattern and classified using the AO classification and stabilized with medial tibial locking plate. Time to fracture union, complications, and outcomes were assessed with the American Orthopedic Footand Ankle Society Ankle score at 14 months. Results: Out of 50 patients 37 were males and 13 were females. The mean plate hole was 12.08±1.82. Mean proximal screw was 3.94±0.42. Mean distal screw was 4.12±0.22. Mean no. of compressions were 0.56±0.76. Mean operative time was 82.66±23.56 min while union was 4.98±1.58 months. 44(88%) patients gave satisfactory results. It was found that there is no significant association of satisfactory result were observed with gender, injury, fracture type, fibula fracture and fibula fixation. Conclusions: Distal tibial locking plates have high fracture union rates, minimum soft tissue complications, and good functional outcomes. The literature shows similar fracture union and complication rates using locking plates.