How Effective is Fibula Pro Tibia Plating in Treatment of Distal Tibial Fractures: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Traumatology
• Skeletal reconstruction

Background:

• Distal tibial fractures present management challenges with frequent complications.
• The fibula pro tibia plating technique offers a novel approach by stabilizing the fibula and tibia together.
• This technique aims to preserve the tibial soft tissue sleeve and periosteum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the fibula pro tibia plating technique in managing distal tibia fibula fractures.
• To assess union rates, union time, fracture alignment, and functional outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 30 patients with distal tibia fibula fractures.
• Fractures extended within 5cm of the tibial plafond.
• Treatment involved fibula pro tibia plating, with optional minimal articular fixation.

Main Results:

• All 30 fractures achieved union within a mean of 10.2 weeks.
• Acceptable alignment was noted in 29 out of 30 patients.
• The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 86.3, with 29 patients reporting good to excellent outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Fibula pro tibia plating is a successful technique for complex distal tibia fractures.
• The method avoids wound complications by preserving soft tissues and periosteum.
• This leads to early union and favorable functional results.