Arthroscopic assistance in distal tibial intra

Abstract

We describe the surgical technique, assessment, and complications in patients undergoing arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation for distal tibial intra-articular fractures. Between December 2005 and September 2010, 8 patients underwent surgery. Mean follow-up time was 44 months (range, 8 to 65 mo). Mean age was 44 years (range, 35 to 65 y); 7 patients were male. AO classification was 4.3.C.1 in 3 patients and 4.3.C.3 in 5. Anatomic reduction was successfully achieved in all patients. Consolidation time was between 3 and 6 months for all cases. During follow-up, no loss of reduction was identified by x-ray. One patient suffered regional complex pain syndrome. One patient presented osteoarthritis at 48-month follow-up. In the late follow-up, 1 patient presented chronic osteomyelitis of distal tibia. At final follow-up, AOFAS hindfoot median score was 75 and abbreviated SF 36 median scores were 59 and 77 for the physical and mental components, respectively.