To compare results between minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis using a periarticular plate and intramedullary nailing in distal tibial metaphyseal fractures in two treatment groups.

Sixty-one cases of distal tibial metaphyseal fractures from December 2008 to December 2009 were evaluated. The minimal follow-up period was 12 months. Thirty patients treated by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis using a periarticular plate were Group A; 31 patients treated by intramedullary nailing were Group B. We compared and analyzed the results of each group by radiological and clinical assessments.

The mean bony union time was 16.4 weeks in Group A and 17.2 weeks in Group B. The mean operation time was 45 minutes in Group A and 48 minutes in Group B. The mean radiation exposure times were 4.2 minutes and 4.8 minutes, respectively. VAS scores were 0.7 points and 0.5 points in each respective group. In Group A, the VAS score was 1.7 points when we applied pressure on the skin around the plate. The mean Olerud and Molander Ankle Score was 87.4 points and 86.3 points, respectively. A superficial wound infection occurred in 1 case in each group, and angular deformities more than 5 degrees occurred in 2 Group B cases.

No significant differences in results were observed between the two groups. However, a higher incidence of angular deformity was seen in the intramedullary nailing group. Therefore, we must be careful during surgery.