RESUMO
Introduction: The goal of treatment of open tibia fracture is to prevent infection, fracture healing and restore normal limb function. Unreamed tibia nail [UTN, Synthese] is now replaced with external fixation for treatment of open tibia fracture because of easy insertion and low complications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate union rate with this device in open tibia fracture and compare complications with other studies
Material and Methodes: From 1998 to 2001, sixty-eight patients with open grade I to grade Iila tibia fracture were treated with unreamed tibia nailing and evaluated to find results and complications of this fixing tool. Of this group 46 patients were available for follow up at an average of 6 months after surgery. 31 patients were type Ilia, 9 patients, type II and 6 patients had type I Gastilo open tibia fracture. Operation was performed at a mean of 6 days after fracture
Results: Union occurred at a mean of 18/66 weeks for type I, 20/8 weeks for type II and 26/2 weeks for type Ilia open tibia fracture. Superficial and deep infection occurred in 10%, malunion in 4/35%, delayed union in 2/17%, nonunion in 2/17%, ankle joint stiffness in 6/52%, knee joint stiffness occurred in 2/17%, locking screw failure in 6/25% and nail failure occurred in 4/35% of patients
Conclusion: The advantages of the UTN is less infection rate incontrast to external fixators, lesser need for secondary operation and greater patient comfort. Therefore, we find UTN to be a good alternative in companissan with other fixation devices in the treatment of open fractures of the tibia