Rotational Malalignment After Intramedullary Nailing of Tibial Shaft Fractures Is Predictable

Abstract

Objectives: Intramedullary nailing is the treatment of choice for most tibial shaft fractures (TSF). However, an iatrogenic pitfall may be rotational malalignment. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to determine predictors of rotational malalignment following intramedullary nailing of TSF.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Single level 1 trauma center.

Patient selection criteria: Patients who had a unilateral intramedullary nailing for TSF with a low-dose bilateral postoperative CT to assess rotational malalignment.

Outcome measures and comparisons: Bivariable analysis followed by multivariable analysis was then undertaken to assess for any independent predictors, such as fracture type/sight, surgeon experience, and side of fracture, predictive of rotational malalignment.

Results: In total, 154 patients (71% male, median age 37 years) were included in this study. Thirty-nine percent of variability in postoperative rotational malalignment could be explained using a model including (increased) tibial torsion of the noninjured side (mean [38.9 degrees ± 9.02 degrees] considered normal tibial torsion), side of tibial fracture, and spiral-type tibial fracture (R2 = 0.39, P ≤ 0.001, F = 31.40). In this model, there was a negative linear association between degrees of torsion on the noninjured side and rotational malalignment (-0.45, P < 0.001)-as baseline torsion increased from mean by 1 degree, malrotation in the opposite direction of 0.54 degrees seen. Positive linear associations between right-sided TSF and rotational malalignment (8.59 P < 0.001) as well as spiral fractures and rotational malalignment (5.03, P < 0.01) were seen.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that baseline reduced (internal) tibial torsion of the noninjured limb, spiral fractures, and right-sided TSF are predictive of postoperative external rotational malalignment. Conversely, increased baseline (external) tibial torsion of the noninjured limb and left-sided TSF are predictive of postoperative internal rotational malalignment. Surgeons may use this regression model preoperatively to predict what sort of postoperative rotational difference their patient may be prone to.

Level of evidence: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.