Mechanical failure of angle locking plates in distal comminuted tibial fractures

摘要

Distal comminuted tibial fracture with or without intra-articular involvement is a very common injury of the lower limb, especially in younger patients due to high energy trauma. The anatomical and biomechanical properties of this segment of tibia, makes this pathology a major surgical challenge with a preserved clinical outcome. The aim of this study is to present different outcome of tibial fracture, treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with titanium angle locking plates (ALP) and to underline the physiological and non-physiological bone healing effects on implants. In this study we included 48 patients with tibial pilon fracture who underwent to ORIF, applying ALP in the Orthopedics and Trauma department of the University Emergency Hospital in Bucharest. Due to preserved biomechanical properties of ALP and this anatomical region, weight bearing is not allowed till 6 to 8 weeks. Comminuted fracture of this part of tibia often have de-vascularized bony fragments which leads to delayed union or non-union. These complications often lead to implant failure, improper bone healing or non-union. Internal fixation with angle stable screws, offers a good stability of reduction in the early postoperative period. Titanium angle locking plates offers good anatomical reduction and stable fixation in the early period of healing process. Due to its rigid, fixed position of the screws in the plates, bone remodelling during healing process and early weight bearing, increases the mechanical failure of implant.