A study of supra patellar versus infra patellar intramedullary interlocking nailing in tibial diaphyseal fractures

Introduction: Tibial shaft fractures are a common traumatic injury. Traditional infra patellar intra medullary nailing is a popular surgical procedure used in the treatment of tibia shaft fractures. Recently, the supra patellar approach has attracted the attention of orthopedic surgeons, as it seems to offer fewer complications and re-operations. Material and methods: The total of 30 patients with tibial diaphyseal fractures and underwent Intra medullary interlocking nailing, in which 15 with supra patellar approach and 15 patients with infra patellar approach. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the final outcome in patients undergoing Intra medullary interlocking nailing through Supra Patellar and infrapatellar approach with better functional outcome in the former. Conclusion: we conclude that supra patellar approach had a better clinical outcome compared to Infra patellar approach for tibial diaphyseal fractures with relation to duration of surgery, Intra operative bleeding, Fluoroscopy time, Post-operative anterior knee pain and Knee functional outcome.