Plating Versus Nailing in Aseptic Nonunion Shaft Tibia Management

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare results of usage of reamed interlocking nail versus plating in management of aseptic non-union fracture shaft tibia. 20 patients with aseptic non union tibia were managed in our department between June 2015 and June 2016. Patients were divided randomly in this retrospective study into two groups: plating group (10 patients) and nailing group (10 patients). Mean age of patients (plating group) was 40.3 years old, while in (nailing group) was 30.3 years old. Iliac bone graft was used in 4 patients (plating group) and 3 patients (nailing group). Initial fracture was simple in 8 cases (4 in plating group and 4 in nailing group) and compound in 12 cases (6 in plating group and 6 in nailing groups). All patients were followed up in our patient clinic; with a mean period of follow up was 36.9 weeks. 19 cases healed and one case lost from (plating group). Mean period of healing was 6.7 months (plating group) while 4.7 months in (nailing group). According to Olerud and Molander score, 2 patients excellent, 2 good and 5 fair (plating group), while 1 patients excellent, 7 good and 2 fair (nailing group). No significant complications rate difference was found between the two groups. Reamed interlocking nail can obtain higher union rate, shorter time to union incidence and less complications rate than plating in the treatment of aseptic non union fracture shaft tibia.