Efficacy Comparison Between Plate Fixation And Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nail In Patients With Tibial Fracture And Their Postoperative Knee Joint Function

Background: As a commonly used therapeutic method for fractures, plate fixation can cause soft tissue injury and hematoma disruption, so it is essential to seek a less invasive surgical method. Elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN) is a closed surgery for small wounds, and patients undergoing this surgery can bear weight and walk as soon as possible. This paper aimed to explore the application of ESIN in tibial fractures. Methods: One hundred hospitalized patients with tibial fracture in the department of orthopedics of our hospital from January 2018 to May 2019 were enrolled; in which 57 were treated with traditional plate fixation (Group A), whereas 43 were treated with ESIN (Group B). They were observed for their postoperative knee range of motion (KROM), inflammatory cytokine levels, adverse reactions, and quality of life. Results: Compared with those in Group A, patients in Group B had better operative conditions and better knee joint function (P<0.05), a lower postoperative incidence of adverse reactions and lower inflammatory cytokine levels (P<0.05), shorter healing time (P<0.05), and higher related quality of life scores (P<0.05). Conclusion: The application of ESIN in tibial fracture can reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions and promote joint recovery in patients.