Suprapatellar Versus Infrapatellar Nailing in Tibial Fractures: A Pilot Study



Status:Completed
Conditions:Orthopedic
Therapuetic Areas:Orthopedics / Podiatry
Healthy:No
Age Range:18 - Any
Updated:2/15/2017
Start Date:April 2011
End Date:January 2016

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Randomized Clinical Trial of Suprapatellar Versus Infrapatellar Tibial Nailing: A Pilot Study

This study compares two techniques for the fixation of tibial fractures. The techniques are
the suprapatellar (above knee)or infrapatellar (below knee) approach to tibial
intramedullary nailing. Null hypothesis: There is no difference in 1) residual
post-operative pain levels, 2)knee function, 3) healing and alignment of the tibia, or 4)
trochlear changes in the patello-femoral cartilage between patients who are randomized to
receive tibial nail insertion through either a suprapatellar nail entry portal or a standard
patellar tendon approach.

Patients undergoing tibial fracture repair will be consented and randomized into one of the
two techniques, with arthroscopic photos taken before and after nail insertion to study the
condition of the patello-femoral cartilage. Enrolled patients will be followed for one year
in clinic.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Tibial shaft fractures amenable and indicated for repair with intramedullary nails,
with or without the use of reaming

- Acute tibial fractures within 4 weeks of injury

- Closed or open tibial fractures after appropriate irrigation and debridement

- Fractures must be within metaphyseal/diaphyseal junctures defined as middle 3/5 of
tibia

- Skeletally mature patient

- Age 18 and above.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Tibial shaft fractures that require articular reconstruction with plates

- Any tibial fracture extending > 1 cm into the proximal or distal 1/5 of tibia

- Tibial plateau fractures

- Pilon fractures

- Periprosthetic fractures

- Non-unions

- Prior knee surgery

- History of gout or rheumatoid or osteoarthritis

- Concomitant injury to same limb (including any traumatic injury to ipsilateral knee,
femur or foot, and knee dislocation)

- Spinal injury

- Prisoner or high likelihood of incarceration

- Not likely to follow-up in the estimation of surgeon

- Pregnant females
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Tampa, Florida 33607
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1 Tampa General Cir
Tampa, Florida 33606
(813) 844-7000
Tampa General Hospital In a diverse city known for its rich culture and beautiful beaches,...
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