Suprapatellar Technique for Tibia Fractures: Is the Fracture Level Important?

A frequent bone fracture in falls and auto accidents is the tibial fracture. This study is prospective observational study primary aim to assess the healing duration, alignment, lower extremity functional score, and complications associated with suprapatellar (SP) tibial intramedullary nailing (IMN) for proximal, shaft, and distal tibial fractures.

Fifty-two patients (44 men and 8 women; mean age 46.9 years; range, 18-75 years) receiving semi-extended treatment using the SP method were included in the research. A solitary surgeon conducted SP IMN operations. Patients' genders, ages, limb sides, fracture types, and classifications were noted following a minimum of a 12-month follow-up. Analysis was done on non-union, angulation, healing duration, and fracture reduction accuracy. Clinical measures were performed using the lower extremity functional score scale.

In the tibia, 24 fractures occurred in the proximal third, 12 in the middle third, and 16 in the distal third. The average healing period was 7.34 months, with a range of 4-14 months. There was no statistically significant difference in healing times between the sites of the fractures (P = 0.75). There were no statistically significant variations in follow-up periods with respect to fracture locations (P = 0.62). The mean follow-up length was 15.76 months (range, 12-28 months). There was no statistically significant difference in lower extremity functional scores across the fracture site groups (P = 0.33).

Irrespective of fracture level, the SP IM tibia nailing has comparable functional score, a lower incidence of malalignment, shorter recovery periods, and less need for open reduction for any type of extra Articular tibia shaft fracture.