The Function and Symptoms of Ankle Joint in the Distal Tibial Fractures Treated by Nailing

Kim, Byoung Min; Bae, Su Young; Roh, Jae Young

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the safety and prognostic factors of intramedullary nailing of distal tibia fractures in terms of function and symptoms of the ankle joint.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed 22 distal tibial fractures with intramedullary nailing. The mean duration of follow-up was 43 months. We reviewed medical records to describe each case. We measured radiographic parameters such as fracture configuration, arthritic change of the ankle joint and status of reduction. We also assessed clinical results by AOFAS ankle hind foot scoring system, degree of pain by VAS and range of motion to find out prognostic factors for functional result of the ankle joint.
RESULTS
Bone healing was obtained in all cases without any wound complications. Mean AOFAS ankle score was 94. There were 4 cases with mild (VAS<3/10) ankle pain and 2 cases with mild limitation of ankle motion. The comminution of fracture had a significant relationship with delayed angular deformity of ankle joint (p=0.032). There was no other significant parameter affecting ankle joint function except the location of nail-end.
CONCLUSION
Intramedullary nailing in distal tibia fracture is a safe and effective procedure. But further study may need to evaluate the relationship between the position of nail-end and the function of ankle joint.