Modified Posteromedial Approach for Distal Tibia Fracture Fixation

Background: This study aimed to compare a new posteromedial approach with a conventional anteromedial approach to treat extra-articular distal tibia fractures.Method: Thirty-two patients underwent distal tibia fracture surgery. The patients were divided into two groups (anteromedial: n=۱۷ and posteromedial: n=۱۵) and followed for one year. Approaches were compared regarding their union time, American Orthopedics Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and complications.Results: AOFAS score was ۸۷.۳ ± ۳.۱ and ۸۸.۵ ± ۲.۸ in anteromedial and posteromedial groups, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference (P-value = ۰.۲۸۲). The union time was ۶.۱ ± ۳.۸ months and ۶.۴ ± ۳.۱ months in the groups, which was not statistically significant (P-value = ۰.۸۰۷). The prevalence of non-union and delayed union was not significantly different between the two groups (p-value = ۰.۹۹).Conclusion: The modified posteromedial approach is a safe and feasible alternative surgical method for distal tibia extra-articular fractures.

Keywords:

Distal tibia fracture , Posteromedial approach , Anteromedial approach , Complications