Open AccessIntramedullary Nail for a Distal Tibia Fracture
Author(s) -
Nathaniel E. Schaffer,
Jenna L. Wilson,
Michael A. Yee,
Mark E. Hake
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic trauma
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.221
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1531-2291
pISSN - 0890-5339
DOI - 10.1097/bot.0000000000001837
Subject(s) - medicine , intramedullary rod , fixation (population genetics) , distal tibia , surgery , tibia , nail (fastener) , reduction (mathematics) , orthopedic surgery , materials science , metallurgy , population , geometry , environmental health , mathematics
Extraarticular fractures of the distal tibia have historically been treated with open reduction and fixation with plates and screws. This technique requires a more extensive dissection and comes with a higher risk of wound complications than intramedullary nail fixation. This article and the accompanying video demonstrate the use of closed reduction and suprapatellar nail fixation appropriate for the treatment of most extraarticular distal tibial fractures. A variety of treatment decisions are discussed, including the nail insertion method, fixation of associated fibular fractures, and postoperative immobilization.