Comparative Study between the Role of Medial LCP and Anterolateral LCP in the Management of Fractures of Distal Tibia

Abstract

Background As the civilisation proceeds towards industrialisation more and more
accidents have been experienced. In almost all over the world, the incidence of road
traffic and industrial accidents are growing up, resulting in fracture of various bones of
body. Leg bones fracture are very common because it is the most distal part of the body
and is actively involved in locomotive system. Out of all the leg bones fracture, a significant
number of cases are of distal tibia which are generally comminuted in nature and
are unstable. As these fractures occur in proximity of weight bearing surface of ankle
joint, a slight maladjustment in inclination of ankle joint may lead to permanent disability.
Besides closed reduction with casting many osteosynthesis techniques can be used for
these fracture such open reduction and internal fixation with locking plate, external fixation
with or without limited internal fixation, intra-medullary nailing. Two types of LCP can
be used in the management of fractures of distal one third of tibia i.e. medial LCP and
the newer anterolateral LCP.
Aims and Objectives To study the management of fractures of distal tibia using medial
LCP and anterolateral LCP and to assess and compare the end results of above procedure
in terms of benefits and complications.
Materials and Methods This is a prospective randomised study from December 2013
to December 2015 for management of distal tibia fractures treated by medial LCP and
Anterolateral LCP.
Results Study was performed on 50 patients out of which 25 were treated by medial
LCP and 25 by anterolateral LCP. In study it was seen that medial and anterolateral
plating duration of surgery, time of appearance of callus, and time for full weight bearing
of patient were almost same but infection rate and hardware problem was lower in
anterolateral plating.
Conclusion The objective is to obtain anatomic realignment of the joint surface while
providing enough stability to allow early motion. This should be accomplished using
techniques that minimise osseous and soft tissue devascularisation in the hopes of
decreasing the complications resulting from treatment.