BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performances of stainless steel nonlocking plates and titanium locking plates in minimally invasive medial plating of extra-articular metaphyseal fractures of the distal tibia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2004 and 2006, 43 patients who sustained closed fractures of the distal tibia metaphysis were managed with either a stainless steel nonlocking plate (Group 1, n = 21) or a titanium locking plate (Group 2, n = 22). Clinical and radiographic data were retrospectively reviewed. Function was assessed with use of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot instrument. The average followup period was 25 months. RESULTS: The average AOFAS foot and ankle scores in Group 1 and Group 2 at final followup were 85 and 81, respectively. Fracture reduction was anatomical or nearly anatomical without angular displacement in all cases except one patient in Group 2. (p > 0.05) The average time to full, unprotected weightbearing in Group 1 and Group 2 were 15 weeks and 18 weeks, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive medial plating with titanium locking plates resulted in prolonged secondary healing both in comminuted and simple fracture patterns compared to conventional stainless steel nonlocking plates. We believe that in biological fixation of distal tibial fractures, similarly good results may be obtained with both materials as the locking technology had a greater effect on stability.
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