Management of Tibial Nnon-Union Using Reamed Interlocking Intra-Medullary Nailing

Background:Reamed interlocking intramedullary nailing of the tibia is a procedure for the treatment of a non-infected tibial nonunion. The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the outcome of this method as a treatment of tibial nonunion. Methods: Twenty-nine patients with nonunion after initial therapy for tibial fracture were retrospectively assessed after a reamed interlocking intramedullary nailing.The main measurements were derived from radiographic and clinical union as well as time from reamed nailing to union. Results: Twenty-eight patients achieved union of their fracture (97%). The average time from reamed nailing to union was 7.6 months. Serious complications included one severe infection in the site of surgery (3%) and one tibial fracture distal to the nail (3%).Conclusion: Reamed interlocking intramedullary nailing for nonunions of the tibia resulted in a high union rate and was associated with a low complication rate.This technique is recommended as a standard procedure for non-infected tibial nonunions.