Publication:

Primary interlocking nailing for open fractures of tibial shaft: a clinical study

Background The excellent method for treating fractures of the tibial shaft was the closed intramedullary nailing technique. But because of limited references related to the results, incidence of infection, non-union of open injury. Hence, it was decided to analyse open tibial fractures treatment by primary interlocking nailing.

Methods 50 Patients with open fractures of the tibial shaft which were treated with primary interlocking nail were studied in the period of 14 months.

Results In present study 18 (36%) type I, 22 (44%) type II and 10 (20%) type IIIA Gustilo open fractures were treated. The average duration of time between injury and nailing was 3.5 hours (range was 1.5 hours to 4 hours). After reaming, 40 (80%) fractures were fixed, without reaming, 10 (20%) of fractures were fixed. The average time to union was 27 weeks for type I fractures, 30 weeks for type II fractures and 33 weeks for type IIIA fractures. There was 1 non-union. There were 4 deep infections.

Conclusions The best mode of therapy was primary interlocking intramedullary nailing for open fractures.