RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the distal third of the tibia are mostly the consequence of high-energy trauma with significant soft tissue involvement, being more frequent in men. These types of fractures differ from the tibial pilon joint fracture in their mechanism of injury, management and prognosis. The objective of the present study was to analyze and compare the results obtained in the treatment of fractures of the distal third of the tibia without joint extension using a locked plate and intramedullary nail. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study with patients diagnosed of "distal third tibia fracture" segment 43A according to the classification proposed by the "Trauma Orthopedic Association" who were intervened between January 2015 and May 2019 were included. We obtained 24 patients intervened with a nail intramedullary and 29 using a blocked plate. RESULTS: The study included 53 patients, 36 men and 17 women with a mean age of 51 years (range: 15-77 years). The mean follow-up time was 6 months (3-30 months). No significant differences were found in the time to fracture healing, although the beginning with load walking was earlier in the nail group. DISCUSSION: Currently there is no consensus on the therapeutic management of distal tibia fractures without joint extension. CONCLUSIONS: After analyzing the results, we consider that both intramedullary nail osteosynthesis and a locked plate are valid options in the treatment of fractures of the distal third of the tibia.