Open interlocking nailing of the fracture of the shaft of tibia

Abstract

Closed Interlocking intramedullary nail is now the standard in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures however use of image intensifier precludes its common use in developing countries. This study was done to evaluate the outcome of open interlocking nailing under heading of fracture union, early mobilisation and early functional return of the limb and complication. We retrospectively reviewed 36 patients with Fracture shaft of tibia treated with open interlocking nailing. All fractures were simple transverse, short oblique. Serial follow up assessment was done for radiological and clinical union. Major complications encountered were infection. It was concluded that open interlocking nailing is a safe procedure for tibial shaft fractures, in the developing worlds with good functional and clinical results in the following situations: in hospitals with no image intensifier, in irreducible fractures and in female patients with pregnancy.