Treatment of fractures of the distal tibial metaepiphysis

The experience in treatment of 58 patients with distal tibia metaepiphysis fractures is summarized. Two-staged treatment tactics was used. Preoperatively (first stage) skeletal traction was performed. Surgical treatment was applied at the second stage. Depending on injury mechanism five variants of compressive fractures were differentiated, i.e. axial compression and axial compression in extension, flexion, abduction, adduction of foot position. Subdivision of patients by the injury mechanism enabled to detect accurately the fracture zone and to choose the surgical approach. Osteosynthesis by plate was the method of choice. Postoperatively complex rehabilitation treatment was performed. Excellent results were achieved in 30% of patients, good results in 50%, satisfactory in 15%, poor results in 5%o of cases.