Unreamed intramedullary nailing with oblique proximal and biplanar distal interlocking screws for proximal third tibial fractures.

Abstract

To assess the outcome of unreamed intramedullary nailing through the lateralised entry point using oblique proximal and biplanar distal interlocking screws. 15 men and 3 women aged 25 to 58 (mean, 37) years underwent unreamed intramedullary nailing with oblique proximal and biplanar distal interlocking screws for proximal third metaphyseal tibial fractures. The entry point was kept proximal to the tibial tuberosity and slightly lateral to midline. Proximal locking was at 45 degrees to the coronal and sagittal planes. Biplanar distal locking was in the coronal and sagittal planes. 16 patients had bone union within 20 (mean, 17; range, 14-27) weeks; 2 underwent dynamisation for delayed union. Three patients had valgus angulation of less than 5 degrees; 2 had a loss of terminal knee flexion; 3 had a loss of ankle dorsiflexion; and 3 had shortening of more than 0.5 cm. Functional outcomes were excellent in 13, good in 4, and fair in one patient. No patient endured neurovascular injury, compartment syndrome or implant failure. Unreamed intramedullary nailing with oblique proximal and biplanar distal interlocking screws for proximal third tibial fractures was effective in preventing malalignment.