OBJECTIVE: To describe the immediate management of distal tibial fractures as well as the complications of soft and bony tissues. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective review of 45 patients with distal tibial fractures during an 8-month period (August 1st 2005 to March 31st 2006). They were classified according to Rüedi and Allgöwer. Seventy-one percent were managed with transcalcaneal skeletal traction and 28% with Jones bandage. The neovascular status of the affected anatomical segment was reviewed and analyzed before and after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: Type II distal fractures were the most frequent ones, with the left size and the male gender as predominant. Skeletal traction was used in 32 patients (71%); osteosynthesis was performed in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: When compared with Jones bandage, transcalcaneal skeletal traction improved the clinical conditions of the distal segment of the leg before and after the surgical procedure.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the immediate management of distal tibial fractures as well as the complications of soft and bony tissues. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective review of 45 patients with distal tibial fractures during an 8-month period (August 1st 2005 to March 31st 2006). They were classified according to Rüedi and Allgöwer. Seventy-one percent were managed with transcalcaneal skeletal traction and 28% with Jones bandage. The neovascular status of the affected anatomical segment was reviewed and analyzed before and after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: Type II distal fractures were the most frequent ones, with the left size and the male gender as predominant. Skeletal traction was used in 32 patients (71%); osteosynthesis was performed in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: When compared with Jones bandage, transcalcaneal skeletal traction improved the clinical conditions of the distal segment of the leg before and after the surgical procedure.