Modified Posteromedial Approach for Distal Tibia Fracture Fixation

This study aimed to compare a new posteromedial approach with a conventional anteromedial approach to treat extra-articular distal tibia fractures.

Thirty-two patients underwent distal tibia fracture surgery. The patients were divided into two groups (anteromedial: n=17 and posteromedial: n=15) and followed for one year. Approaches were compared regarding their union time, American Orthopedics Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and complications.

 AOFAS score was 87.3 ± 3.1 and 88.5 ± 2.8 in anteromedial and posteromedial groups, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference (P-value = 0.282). The union time was 6.1 ± 3.8 months and 6.4 ± 3.1 months in the groups, which was not statistically significant (P-value = 0.807). The prevalence of non-union and delayed union was not significantly different between the two groups (p-value = 0.99).

The modified posteromedial approach is a safe and feasible alternative surgical method for distal tibia extra-articular fractures.