Fractures of the distal tibial metaphysis with intra-articular extension--the distal tibial explosion fracture.

In a study of 26 distal tibial explosion fractures in 24 patients two fracture patterns were identified: Type A, a rotational pattern; and Type B, a compressive fracture pattern. The rotational pattern was found to be less common than the compressive fracture and to have a substantially better prognosis. Operative treatment of the Type A pattern led to an overall acceptable result of 84%, while the Type B patients had 53% acceptable results. The results of operative treatment were however, superior to the results of nonoperative treatment in both fracture groups. Adequate treatment consists of anatomic reconstruction of the distal tibia, rigid internal fixation, early active motion, and nonweight bearing in 3 to 5 months.