Classification to guide internal fixation for tibial fracture.
OBJECTIVE
To explore a classification method which can provide the clinical guidance for internal fixation of tibial fracture.


METHODS
The different fractures were fixed according to their mechanical classification. Totally, 71 cases of tibial plateau fracture, tibial proximal fracture, tibial distal fracture and Pilon fracture were analyzed to test this selective principle.


RESULTS
All 71 patients were followed up for 6-32 months. The displacement was seldomly observed in cases treated acccording to the classification principle, while some cases against the principle had postoperative displacement. The difference was statistically significant (P less than 0.05). It was proved that there was remarkable correlation between tibial fracture classification, internal fixator and fixation methods.


CONCLUSIONS
Types IIIa3, IIIb1 and IIIb2 fractures without eccentric moment should be fixed with double plates or angle-stable materials combined with locking structure, otherwise displacement may occur.
Zhang
Wen-Xi
WX
Department of Orthpedics, People's Hospital of Liyang City, Liyang 213300, Jiangsu Province, China. czz7328565@czinfo.net
Zheng
Zhi-Liang
ZL
Ji
Yue-Ping
YP
Qiao
Zhi-Jun
ZJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000145:classification* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*