Distal tibial metaphyseal fractures: the role of fibular fixation

Distal tibial extra-articular fractures are often a result of complex high-energy trauma, which commonly involves associated fibular fractures and soft tissue injury. The goal of tibial fixation is to maximise fracture stability without increasing soft tissue morbidity from surgical intervention. The role of adjunctive fibular fixation in distal tibial metaphyseal fractures has been controversial; although fibular fixation has been shown to improve stability of distal tibial fractures, there has been increased potential for soft tissue-related complications and a delay to tibial fracture healing. Adjunctive fixation of concomiR. Varsalona ( ) • G.T. Liu Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology University of Catania Vittorio Emanuele Hospital Via Plebiscito 628, I-95124 Catania, Italy e-mail: [email protected]