Background:

the diaphyseal fractures of the tibia are frequent entities that usually affect young patients. Those located in the distal third of the tibia have peculiarities due to their anatomical location and vascularization.

Objective:

to update the most distinctive elements of the diaphyseal fractures of the distal third of the tibia and the therapeutic confrontation.

Methods:

the information search and analysis was performed over a period of four months (April 1st, 2019 to June 30th, 2019) and the following words were used: distal third tibial fracture, fractures of the distal tibia, diaphyseal tibial fractures. Based on the information obtained, a bibliographic review of a total of 563 articles published in the PubMed, Hinari, SciELO and Medline databases was carried out using the search manager and EndNote reference manager, of which 37 citations selected were used to carry out the review, of them 33 of the last five years and 11 books were consulted.

Results:

the anatomical edges of the distal third of the tibia are mentioned. Both conservative and surgical treatment methods are described with special emphasis on intramedullary fixation and placement technique. Reference is made to other fixing methods such as external fixation, plates and screws with specific indications. To conclude, the delay in consolidation and pseudoarthrosis is addressed through the use of morphogenetic bone protein.

Conclusions:

fractures of the distal third of the tibia need the expertise of the medical staff to reduce complications related to the anatomical characteristics of the area and biomechanics of the trauma.

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