Dia-metaphyseal distal tibial fractures - treatment with a shortened intramedullary nail - A review of 15 cases

Fifteen patients were reviewed retrospectively with distal tibial fractures treated with a reamed intramedullary nail which had approximately 1 cm rem oved just distal to the lowermost locking screw. There were 15 patients (ni ne males and six females). All patients had returned to normal activities of daily living. Eleven pati ents could perform all leisure activities with no symptoms and three had on ly minor discomfort, which did not preclude sport. All fractures united, 12 uneventfully and three after a secondary surgical procedure. Three patients had malalignment defined as varus-valgus angulati on or recurvatum of 5 degrees or greater. Whilst technically challenging, intramedullary nailing for dia-metaphyseal distal tibial fractures represents a safe and reliable method for managing these injuries. This represents the first report in the English Language li terature specifically examining treatment with a shortened tibial nail. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.