Retrograde Tibial Nailing: A Case Study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Management
• Skeletal Repair

Background:

• Distal tibia and fibula fractures are common injuries.
• Antegrade intramedullary nailing is the standard treatment.
• Alternative techniques are needed when standard approaches are challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of successful retrograde tibial nailing.
• To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of this technique.
• To discuss its potential as an alternative surgical option.

Main Methods:

• A 28-year-old female patient with a left displaced distal tibia and fibula fracture.
• Closed reduction of the fracture.
• Retrograde intramedullary osteosynthesis using a nail designed for antegrade insertion with custom techniques.

Main Results:

• The retrograde tibial nailing procedure was technically successful.
• The patient achieved good clinical outcomes.
• The technique demonstrated feasibility in this case.

Conclusions:

• Retrograde tibial nailing is a technically possible and effective alternative for distal tibia and fibula fractures.
• It requires off-label use and custom techniques currently.
• Further investigation and potentially a dedicated implant could establish it as a standard option.