Unreamed interlocking nail versus external fixator in the management of open tibial fractures, a randomized trial

ABSTRACT

Thirty-four patients with open tibial fractures [OTF] were treated by either unreamed interlocking tibial nail [UITN] or external fixator. Cases were randomized to both treatment protocols on alternate basis. The mean age was 36 years, with 28 males and 6 females. Exclusion criteria included children, associated injuries of the knees, ankles, and tarsus and type I soft tissue injuries. The average interval from injury to operation was 8 hours. There were 17 cases in external fixation group and 17 cases in UITN group. The patients were followed for an average of fifteen months. The results of UITN in the treatment of open tibial fractures were superior to external fixation with shorter time of union, better alignment, lower infection rate and shorter wound healing time