1. Tibial shaft fractures treated with the AO unreamed tibial nail.
- Author
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Kutty S, Farooq M, Murphy D, Kelliher C, Condon F, and McElwain JP
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Female, Fracture Healing, Fractures, Closed surgery, Fractures, Open surgery, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Time Factors, Bone Nails, Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary, Postoperative Complications, Tibial Fractures surgery
- Abstract
Background: The AO unreamed tibial nail (UTN) has been used for both open and closed tibial fractures. The reported results have been mixed. We evaluated its outcome in our unit., Aim: To assess the outcome of tibial shaft fractures treated with the AO UTN., Methods: Forty-eight patients underwent intramedullary nailing between 1995 and 2000 using the AO UTN. Follow-up details were available for 45 patients., Results: Forty-four fractures united (97%). Complications included one non-union (2.2%), 15 delayed unions (33%), nine had either broken or bent interlocking screws (20%), six malunions (13%) and three patients underwent fasciotomy for compartment syndrome (7%). Twenty-one patients underwent at least one additional operation to obtain union (47%). Of these, five underwent exchange nailing (11%)., Conclusions: The AO UTN does have a high complication rate and, should it be used, we feel that early dynamisation or exchange nailing be considered to hasten union and prevent screw breakage.
- Published
- 2003
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