DOI: https://doi.org/10.22263/2312-4156.2026.3.73
A.A. Sitnik, A.V. Kochubinski, A.A. Korzun, P.A. Volotovski, M.A. Gerasimenko
Suprapatellar intramedullary nailing of tibia fractures
Republican Scientific and Practical Centre of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Minsk, Republic of Belarus
Vestnik VGMU. 2026;25(3):73-81.
Abstract.
Objectives. To summarize our clinical experience of the use of suprapatellar nailing in tibia fractures.
Material and methods. In this retrospective cohort study we analyzed the results of suprapatellar tibia nailing that was used for the treatment of 98 cases in 96 patients in the period from 06.2019 to 06.2025. Mean age of patients comprised 48.6±15.5 years (18 to 88), there were 40 females and 56 males. In 16 cases open fractures were encountered. Most of the fractures were periarticular according to the localization: proximal tibia was involved in 38 cases, distal – in 54; 11 fractures were segmental and only 4 cases were shaft fractures of the middle-lower third of the tibia.
Results. Follow-up results in terms more than 6 months were studied in 87 cases (89%). Non-complicated healing was noted in 68 cases (77.3%). Full weight-bearing was achieved by the 5th month after the surgery (Ме, IQR 4.0-6.0, from 2 to 12 months). Functional results comprised 94 points (Ме, IQR 90.0-96.0, from 50 to 100 points) from 100 possible according to RNPCTO scale and 70.0 points (IQR 57,0-76,0, from 8 to 80) from 80 possible according to LEFS. There were 4 cases of deep infection (4.9%). Non-unions were registered in 4 cases (4.9%, one of them infected), in 5 (5.1%) cases delayed union was noted.
Conclusions. The use of suprapatellar technique for the nailing of tibia simplifies the course of the surgery in periarticular and segmental tibia fractures. Technical peculiarities of the technique, namely insertion of the instruments and the fixator through patello-femoral articulation require further investigations of this approach safety.
Keywords: tibia, fracture, intramedullary nailing, suprapatellar approach, reduction, fixation.
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Submitted 30.01.2026
Accepted 19.06.2026
Information about authors:
Alexandre A. Sitnik – Candidate of Medical Sciences, associate professor, leading researcher of the Laboratory for Adult Traumatology, Republican Scientific and Practical Centre of Traumatology and Orthopedics, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8903-5899, e-mail: Этот адрес электронной почты защищён от спам-ботов. У вас должен быть включен JavaScript для просмотра.;
A.B. Kochubinski – traumatologist-orthopedist of the Traumatology and Orthopedic Department for Adults, Republican Scientific and Practical Centre of Traumatology and Orthopedics, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3902-757X
A.A. Korzun – Candidate of Medical Sciences, head of the Traumatology and Orthopedic Department for Adults, Republican Scientific and Practical Centre of Traumatology and Orthopedics, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7826-5269
P.A. Volotovski – Candidate of Medical Sciences, associate professor, Deputy Director of the Republican Scientific and Practical Centre of Traumatology and Orthopedics, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4455-035X
M.A. Gerasimenko – Doctor of Medical Sciences, professor, Corresponding Member of the NAS of Belarus, Director of the Republican Scientific and Practical Centre of Traumatology and Orthopedics, https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1018-5019
