Percutaneous screw fixation of distal tibia fractures - functional results in sixteen patients.

INTRODUCTION: An important feature of distal tibia fractures is the relevance of the soft tissue coverage. In order to maintain good functional outcome, several operative techniques have been established. Among them, percutaneous screw fixation has the advantage of causing less biological damage of the soft tissues with lower rates of complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed 16 patients with distal tibia fracture. Operative treatment consisted of indirect reduction and percutaneous fixation of the tibia followed by cast immobilization for approximately 3-4 months. Minimum follow up period was 12 months. Functional outcome was evaluated using Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score (AOFAS). RESULTS: Twelve out of 16 fractures healed within 6 months of the injury. In 3 cases, delayed union was evident, but the fractures healed in less than nine months. There was one case of malunion, two cases of superficial skin infections, two cases of DVT and two cases of gross swelling. According to OMAS score, the functional result was excellent in 7 (43.75%), good in 5 (31.25%) and fair in 4 (25%) patients. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous screw fixation can be a safe and effective method for operative treatment of distal tibia fractures.