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Background: Retrograde tibial nailing (RTN) is a relatively new, minimally invasive technique for managing distal tibial fractures. Studies have demonstrated that RTN provides superior biomechanical stability compared to locking plates and yields favorable clinical outcomes. However, clinical data on RTN remain limited, particularly regarding its complication profile. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of RTN in distal tibial fracture treatment, with a focus on identifying and analyzing associated complications.
Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent RTN for distal tibial fractures between August 2020 and December 2023 at a Level I trauma center. Collected variables included patient demographics, injury mechanism, fracture classification, operative time, length of hospital stays, time to radiographic union, time to full weight-bearing, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores at final follow-up, and postoperative complications.
Results: A total of 47 patients were included, with a follow-up duration ranging from 12 to 25 months (mean 17.0 ± 3.1 months). Radiographic union was achieved in 4 to 6 months (mean 4.5 ± 1.2 months). Full weight-bearing was resumed between 45 and 78 days postoperatively (mean 56.4 ± 11.2 days). Final AOFAS scores ranged from 73 to 95, with an average of 82.3 ± 9.2. Six complications were recorded: one case each of locking screw misplacement, posterior tibial tendon injury with associated ankle pain and swelling, medial ankle pain, loss of reduction, medial malleolus fracture, and superficial wound infection. No instances of implant failure, delayed union, nonunion, or deformity were observed.
Conclusion: RTN is an effective and reliable option for the treatment of distal tibial fractures, demonstrating favorable clinical outcomes and a low complication rate. Refinement of surgical techniques may further reduce the risk of complications.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13018-025-05995-7 | DOI Listing |
Skeletal Radiol
September 2025
Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração (HCor), Rua Desembargador Eliseu Guilherme, 53, 7th floor. CEP, São Paulo, SP, 04004-03, Brazil.
Atypical proximal tibial fractures in adolescents are rare, particularly when linked to hormonal therapy for short stature. This case series reports the clinical and imaging features of atypical proximal tibial and distal femoral physeal fractures in male adolescents undergoing combined growth hormone (GH) and aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy for idiopathic short stature. We report three cases of skeletally immature male adolescents (ages 12-16) treated with GH and anastrozole who presented with acute leg pain following low-energy trauma during soccer.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCureus
August 2025
Orthopedics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, SAU.
Background: Gradual correction of lower-limb angular deformities using external fixators such as the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) is a well-established technique for addressing complex, multiplanar deformities. A common yet understudied adjunct to this method is the use of a distal tibio-fibular syndesmotic screw to stabilize the ankle mortise during correction. Despite being frequently practiced, the necessity and efficacy of this intervention remain unclear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFActa Ortop Mex
September 2025
Servicio de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología, Hospital Clínico Universitario-Malvarrosa. Valencia, España.
Introduction: subtalar dislocations, typical of high-energy trauma, are classified as medial, lateral, anterior or posterior depending on the deviation of the foot in relation to the talus. Lateral dislocation accounts for 17% of the total and has a worse prognosis. Immediate reduction is required to reduce the risk of sequelae, the incidence of which is around 90%.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Am Podiatr Med Assoc
September 2025
§Aybars Kıvrak Orthopedics Clinic, Adana, Turkey.
Background: Pilon fractures refer to distal tibial fractures that may involve extra-articular, partial articular, or complete intra-articular components, most commonly caused by high-energy trauma. The choice between early (<72 hours) and delayed (>7 days) surgical fixation significantly impacts clinical outcomes. This study aimed to compare the effects of early vs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Orthop Res
September 2025
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, Chaoyang District, China.
Injuries to the distal tibiofibular joint are often associated with ankle fractures, sports-related injuries, or instability, whereas proximal tibiofibular joint injuries are more commonly present with lateral- or posterolateral-compartment lesions of the knee. These conditions may be related to the relative motion between the tibia and fibula; however, precise movement patterns have yet to be fully elucidated. This study analyzes the relative motion of the tibia and fibula in 16 healthy adults (32 bones; 8 males and 8 females) throughout a normal gait cycle.
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