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Comparative Studies | Orthopedic | Volume 15 Issue 3, March 2026 | Pages: 1859 - 1864 | India
Comparative Study to Assess the Functional Outcome Between Suprapatellar and Infrapatellar Approaches for Tibial Fractures Treated with Expert Tibial Nail in a Tertiary Care Center
Abstract: Introduction: Tibial fractures are among the most common long bone fractures encountered in orthopedic practice. Intramedullary interlocking nailing remains the gold standard treatment. Traditionally, the infrapatellar approach has been widely used; however, the suprapatellar approach has gained increasing popularity due to improved fracture reduction and reduced anterior knee pain. Aim of the study: To compare the functional outcomes of suprapatellar and infrapatellar approaches for tibial fractures treated with Expert tibial nails. Materials and Method: This hospital-based prospective study was conducted from January 2024 to July 2025, involving 50 patients with tibial fractures treated with Expert tibial Nail by either the suprapatellar or infrapatellar approach. Data collected included patient demographics, mechanism of injury, clinical and radiological evaluations, and postoperative follow-up assessments using the Lysholm knee score and Lower extremity functional score. Results: The suprapatellar approach demonstrated significantly shorter operative time (79.88 ± 5.10 vs 100.76 ± 6.33 minutes; t = 12.838, p < 0.001), reduced fluoroscopy time (66.80 ± 5.92 vs 95.44 ± 8.91 seconds; t = 13.382, p < 0.001), and lower intraoperative blood loss (90.44 ± 7.78 vs 133.52 ± 10.41 ml; t = 16.577, p < 0.001) compared with the infrapatellar approach. Postoperative anterior knee pain was significantly more common in the infrapatellar group (73.9%) than in the suprapatellar group (26.1%) (?? = 9.742, p = 0.002). Overall satisfactory functional outcome was observed in 53.7% of patients in the suprapatellar group and 46.3% in the infrapatellar group, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (?? = 1.220, p = 0.269). Conclusion: The suprapatellar approach demonstrated improved fracture alignment, easier reduction, and lower incidence of anterior knee pain compared with the infrapatellar approach. The suprapatellar approach with expert tibial nail offers superior functional outcomes and represents a safe and effective alternative for tibial intramedullary nailing.
Keywords: Tibial fracture, Intramedullary nailing, Suprapatellar approach, Infrapatellar approach, Lysholm score, Lower extremity functional score
How to Cite?: Dr. Arun K N, Dr. Bharath Narayanasamy, Dr. Mohan Patil C, Dr. Karthik, Dr Akhilesh A G, "Comparative Study to Assess the Functional Outcome Between Suprapatellar and Infrapatellar Approaches for Tibial Fractures Treated with Expert Tibial Nail in a Tertiary Care Center", Volume 15 Issue 3, March 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1859-1864, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26330171807, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26330171807