Treatment of Proximal Tibial Non-union after IM Nailing in Conjunction with Anterior Buttress Plating

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We investigated the results of autologous bone grafting and anterior buttress plating for non-union occurred in junction between metaphysis and diaphysis of tibia after intramedullary nailing technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed six patients who suffered from non-union of proximal tibia for a minimum follow up of one year. The interval was 6 months in average between first and second surgery. The mean follow up period was 15 months in average. The surgical method was autologous bone grafting and anterior buttress plating without removal of previous nail. RESULTS: In all patients, the tenderness and pain of non-union sites were passed at a postoperative one month. Radiologic bone union was achieved in all patients at 18 weeks in average, range from 11 weeks to 20 weeks. The complication was superficial infection in one patient without deleterious effect on union. CONCLUSION: The described method in this study could be a good alternative technique for the treatment of proximal tibial non-union due to failed intramedullary nailing.