Grade III Tibia Open Fractures Treated with Unreamed Tibial Nailing

PURPOSE: This is a retrospective study to analyze the results of unreamed intramedullary nailing in grade III tibial open fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine Gustilo-Anderson grade III tibial open fractures fixed with unreamed tibial nail were followed more than one year. Primary union rate, union time, infection, conversion to external fixation, ankle and knee function according to different grade of open, fracture level, AO classification, and muscle flap were evaluated. RESULTS: Primary union was achieved at sixteen fractures. There were three delayed union that achieved union twenty week after primary operation. And eight undergone secondary bone grafts which were done after inflammation sign subcided. Complications about infection were in five cases. Two cases were unable to maintain internal fixation due to deep infection, and three of superficial infection were treated with repeated debridement and antibiotics use. CONCLUSION: In grade III tibial open fracture, unreamed nailing with early soft tissue reconstruction and early prophylactic bone graft can be a good treatment.

Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Stabilization of Proximal Tibial Fractures

PURPOSE: Despite of various treatment methods, proximal tibial fractures are common injuries that may be associated with poor outcomes and high rates of complications. To improve this, percutaneous plating technique was performed in the proximal tibial fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four proximal tibial fractures (AO 41A; 5, AO 41C; 12, AO 42; 7) were treated by percutaneous plating with either or both sides without bone graft. One was open fracture. RESULTS: All fractures were healed. The average time for fracture healing was 16.5 weeks (range, 8~24 weeks). Complications included a 1cm shortened case and two mal-alignments; a 6 degree valgus case and 5 degree varus case. There was one case of superficial infection, which healed after plate removal. But, there was no deep infection. Results were evaluated by modified Rasmussen score system, all patients had excellent or good result. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive percutaneous plating technique can provide favorable results in the treatment of proximal tibial fractures.