Does fibular plating improve alignment after intramedullary nailing of distal metaphyseal tibia fractures?

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate whether supplementary fibular fixation helped maintain axial alignment in distal metaphyseal tibia-fibula fractures treated by locked intramedullary nailing. DESIGN: Retrospective chart and radiographic review. SETTING: Three, level 1, trauma centers. PATIENTS: Distal metaphyseal tibia-fibula fractures were separated into 2 groups based on the presence of adjunctive fibular plating. Group 1 consisted of fractures treated with small fragment plate fixation of the fibula and intramedullary (IM) nailing of the tibia, whereas group 2 consisted of fractures treated with IM nailing of the tibia without fibular fixation. OUTCOME MEASURES: Malalignment of the tibial shaft was defined as 1) >5 degrees of varus/valgus angulation, or 2) >10 degrees anterior/posterior angulation. Measures of angulation were obtained from radiographs taken immediately after the surgery, a second time 3 months later, and at 6-month follow-up. Leg length and rotational deformity were not examined. RESULTS: Seventy-two fractures were studied. In 25 cases, the associated fibula fracture was stabilized, and in 47 cases the associated fibula fracture was not stabilized. Cases were more likely to have the associated fibula fracture stabilized where the tibia fracture was very distal. In multivariate adjusted analysis, plating of the fibula fracture was significantly associated with maintenance of reduction 12 weeks or later after surgery (odds ratio = 0.03; P = 0.036). The use of 2 medial-lateral distal locking bolts also was protective against loss of reduction; however, this association was not statistically significant (odds ratio = 0.29; P = 0.275). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the proportion of fractures that lost alignment was smaller among those receiving stabilization of the fibula in conjunction with IM nailing compared with those receiving IM nailing alone. Adjunctive fibular stabilization was associated significantly with the ability to maintain fracture reduction beyond 12 weeks. At the present time, the authors recommend fibular plating whenever IM nailing is contemplated in the unstable distal tibia-fibular fracture.     

Intramedullary interlocked tibia nailing: a new technique (preliminary report).

This paper presents a modified surgical technique for interlocked intramedullary stabilization of tibia fractures. An external distractor is used to achieve an indirect fracture reduction on a fluoroscopy table. This method avoids the potential traction complications associated with conventional fracture tables. The fluoroscopy unit remains in one position during the entire operation. This technique decreases set-up time, provides complete control over the involved extremity, facilitates an accurate reduction, allows for compression at the fracture site, and simplifies the interlocking procedure. Twenty patients with 20 tibia shaft fractures were treated with this technique. No complications occurred during acute fracture care. Alignment was anatomic or near anatomic in all cases and physician satisfaction was 100%. At follow-up, averaging 5.2 months, there has been no change in fracture alignment, and most tibias are demonstrating clinical and radiographic healing. Distraction at the fracture site with a statically locked tibia nail may impede healing. The external distractor can be used to compress the fracture site prior to static interlocking, and this may facilitate healing. Dynamization of the nail should be considered when early signs of healing are absent. This technique is simple, accurate, and safe, and should be considered when treating an unstable tibia shaft fracture with a locked intramedullary nail.     

腓骨内固定在治疗胫腓骨骨折中的作用

目的 探讨腓骨内固定在治疗胫腓骨骨折中的作用。方法 50例胫腓骨骨折，采用腓骨内固定、胫骨闭合手法复位加外固定方法治疗。其中闭合性骨折28例，开放性骨折12例，Pilon骨折10例；粉碎性骨折28例，斜形骨折12例、螺旋形骨折10例。结果 50例均达临床愈合。平均临床愈合时间为5个月，骨折位置良好，关节功能恢复正常，无皮肤坏死及感染发生。结论 腓骨固定适合于胫前皮肤条件不好的闭合性或开放性胫腓骨骨折和胫骨下1/3粉碎性骨折合并腓骨骨折的治疗。     

Fracture of the tibia with additional injury of the ankle joint. A frequent and undervalued combination

Summary There are 2 types of a combined tibia fracture and ankle injury: in Type I the tibia fracture extends directly into the ankle joint, in Type II the tibia fracture goes along with a fracture of the fibula and disruption of the fibular-tibial syndesmosis. This type of fracture must be distinguished from a pilon tibiale fracture. The typical mechanism for this combined tibia and ankle injury is the indirect torsional trauma with pronation-eversion. From 1995 to 1997 188 patients with fractures of the tibia were treated by internal fixation in our Trauma Department. 27 of these patients (13.6 %) had a combined tibia and ankle injury. Most of the tibia fractures were located in the distal third, a spiral fracture (16 patients) or a comminuted fracture (6 patients), and another group extending directly into the ankle (5 patients). The ankle lesion was a distal fibular fracture (Weber Typ B + C) in 14 patients, a proximal fibular fracture (Type maisoneuve) in 6 patients, a postero-lateral fragment in 11 cases and a fracture of the medial melleolus in 10 cases. A disrupture of the anterior tibio-fibular syndesmosis was seen in 18 patients, 3 times as an isolated lesion of the ankle joint without fracture of the fibula. The osteosynthesis of the tibia fracture was performed with an unreamed tibia nail in 20 patients, with elastic-biologic plate fixation in 6 and with external fixation in 1 patient. The fibula fractures were stabilized by small fragment titaneum plates, the dorsolateral fragment and the medial malleolus were stabilized by lag-screws, the tibio-fibular ligament was sutured and, in a few cases only, held in place by a positioning screw. The outcome was controlled after 20,7 month according to the Phillip's Score (1996). We found not more than one pour results. It must be considered, that most of the combined injuries of the tibia and the ankle joint concerning 13,6 % of all tibia shaft fractures are usually not recognized and may result in an arthrosis of the ankle joint. The attention should be focused to the ankle joint in any spiral fractures of the distal tibia after indirect trauma, especially with a proximal fibular fracture or an intact fibula. Additional X-ray examination of the ankle joint is recommended during internal fixation of the tibia. Posttraumatic arthrosis of the ankle joint can be prevented by diagnosis and adequate anatomical reconstruction of the additional ankle joint injury.      

Fracture of the tibia with additional injury of the ankle joint. A frequent and undervalued combination Eine h?ufige, aber wenig beachtete Kombination

There are 2 types of a combined tibia fracture and ankle injury: in Type I the tibia fracture extends directly into the ankle joint, in Type II the tibia fracture goes along with a fracture of the fibula and disruption of the fibular-tibial syndesmosis. This type of fracture must be distinguished from a pilon tibiale fracture. The typical mechanism for this combined tibia and ankle injury is the indirect torsional trauma with pronation-eversion. From 1995 to 1997 188 patients with fractures of the tibia were treated by internal fixation in our Trauma Department. 27 of these patients (13.6 %) had a combined tibia and ankle injury. Most of the tibia fractures were located in the distal third, a spiral fracture (16 patients) or a comminuted fracture (6 patients), and another group extending directly into the ankle (5 patients). The ankle lesion was a distal fibular fracture (Weber Typ B + C) in 14 patients, a proximal fibular fracture (Type maisoneuve) in 6 patients, a postero-lateral fragment in 11 cases and a fracture of the medial melleolus in 10 cases. A disrupture of the anterior tibio-fibular syndesmosis was seen in 18 patients, 3 times as an isolated lesion of the ankle joint without fracture of the fibula. The osteosynthesis of the tibia fracture was performed with an unreamed tibia nail in 20 patients, with elastic-biologic plate fixation in 6 and with external fixation in 1 patient. The fibula fractures were stabilized by small fragment titaneum plates, the dorsolateral fragment and the medial malleolus were stabilized by lag-screws, the tibio-fibular ligament was sutured and, in a few cases only, held in place by a positioning screw. The outcome was controlled after 20,7 month according to the Phillip's Score (1996). We found not more than one pour results. It must be considered, that most of the combined injuries of the tibia and the ankle joint concerning 13,6 % of all tibia shaft fractures are usually not recognized and may result in an arthrosis of the ankle joint. The attention should be focused to the ankle joint in any spiral fractures of the distal tibia after indirect trauma, especially with a proximal fibular fracture or an intact fibula. Additional X-ray examination of the ankle joint is recommended during internal fixation of the tibia. Posttraumatic arthrosis of the ankle joint can be prevented by diagnosis and adequate anatomical reconstruction of the additional ankle joint injury.     

四肢开放性骨折合并严重皮肤剥脱伤的治疗(附58例报告)

目的　探讨四肢开放性骨折合并严重皮肤剥脱伤的治疗方法。方法　 5 8例 6 6处四肢开放骨折清创后 ,骨干骨折应用不扩大髓腔的交锁髓内针内固定 4 3处 ,钢板螺钉内固定关节骨端骨折 18处 ,单侧外固定器与有限内固定联合应用 5处。剥脱皮瓣做成带真皮下血管网或中厚层游离皮片回植修复创面。结果　 6 6处骨折全部愈合。伤口浅层感染 5例 ,经二期植皮愈合 18例 ,关节端骨折保留中等活动功能 11例 ,僵硬 5例。余病例骨折无畸形愈合 ,功能基本恢复。结论　主张清洁创面不用双氧水冲洗 ,严重挫伤手术后用低分子右旋糖酐和 2 5 %甘露醇脱水 ,清除自由基 ,改善血供微循环。胫腓骨双骨折提倡先行腓骨内固定。外固定器与内固定联合应用有促进骨折愈合、减少畸形愈合和迟延愈合的作用。     

胫腓骨下段开放性粉碎骨折的治疗(附20例临床报告)

目的探讨胫腓骨下段开放性粉碎骨折的综合治疗。方法20例胫腓骨下段开放性粉碎骨折采用半环槽式外固定器固定、皮瓣转移、腓骨内移、骨折端加压并同期行上干骺端骨延长等综合治疗方法。结果伤口均一期愈合，所有皮瓣均成活，骨折临床愈合平均时间19周，7例因严重骨缺损经骨折端加压并同期行上干骺端骨延长后肢体均恢复正常长度。无1例针眼感染和血管、神经损伤。临床优良率为90％(18／20)。结论a)半环槽外固定器能克服胫腓骨下段开放性粉碎骨折的治疗困难，具有立体均衡固定。刚性可调，避免肢体受压。便于再次创面处理以及同期行骨折端加压和肢体延长等优点。b)半环槽式外固定器结合皮瓣转移、腓骨内移以及骨折端加压并同期行上干骺端骨延长等综合治疗方法是胫腓骨下段开放性粉碎骨折可选择的较好治疗措施之一。     

Proximal tibiofibular joint dislocation associated with tibial shaft fractures – 7 Cases

ObjectiveLower leg fractures of the tibia with or without fracture of the fibula are very common. Proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) dislocation is a very rare injury that can occur together with a tibia shaft fracture. As there is only scarce literature about this injury available, we would like to present our experience with the treatment of this entity.MethodsWe present a small case series of seven patients. In most cases, the tibia fracture was nailed in a closed technique. After distal locking the proximal fibula was exposed by a lateral approach exposing and preserving the peroneal nerve. After anatomical reduction into the corresponding articular facet of the proximal tibia, the fibula was transfixed to the tibia with a positioning screw. This indirectly provided a correct length and rotation of the tibia, which could finally be locked to the nail by inserting the proximal locking bolts. The positioning screw was removed after six weeks prior to full loading. Six of seven patients had been followed up by at least 7 months post-treatment.ResultsOut of 663 prospectively collected tibia shaft fractures treated at our institution from 1/2001 to 7/2014, we found seven patients with associated PTFJ dislocation. All except one had been caused by a high energy trauma. After one year, five patients showed excellent results with full range of motion and returning to their sporting activities as before the accident. Two patients have impaired function due to associated injuries. None complained of persistent pain or instability of the PTFJ.ConclusionPTFJ dislocation with tibia shaft fracture can easily be overlooked if one is not familiar with this injury. It is important to diagnose and treat this uncommon dislocation anatomically to achieve good results. Otherwise, as the literature shows, it can lead to chronic instability of the proximal fibula with snapping, proximal fibular pain and even peroneal nerve palsy. Furthermore in complex tibial fractures correct length and rotation only can be restored after referencing with the fibula. We recommend a high index of suspicion of this injury with high energy tibia shaft fractures especially in cases with intact fibula.     

Pseudarthroses of the fibula following fracture of the lower leg

There are few reports in the literature on nonunion of the fibula following simultaneous fracture of the tibia and fibula. They apparently develop in cases where when only the tibia is stabilized and early functional treatment follows. Six patients suffering from painful nonunion of the fibula were treated in our trauma center from 1985 to 1987. Primary fixation was achieved with a plate in three cases, external fixation in two, and a Küntscher nail in one case. Because of infection, the nail was replaced by external fixation after 2 weeks. After healing of the tibia, the patients developed pain during normal use, and there was local tenderness, edema, and paresthesia. In all cases the X-ray films showed hypertrophic nonunion of the fibula. Four patients were treated with plate osteosynthesis of the fibula, which alleviated the problems. From our retrospective data we conclude that in primary therapy of lower leg fractures, plate fixation of the fibula should also be included in cases where the fractures are located in the distal half of the lower leg and show signs if instability due to displacement, oblique fracture forms, and multiple fragments.     

Significance of the fibula in tibial fractures and pseudarthroses

The importance of the shaft of the fibula in lower leg fractures is the greater, the more unfavourable the situation of the tibia together with the surrounding soft tissue. We consider the operative stabilisation of the fibula to be a good procedure in cases of distal lower leg fractures, comminuted fractures of the tibial shaft and intramedullary nailing of the tibia, to increase overall stability of the whole lower leg system. The fibula is of still greater importance in cases of non-unions with loss of bone, with or without infection. The reconstruction of the tibial bone defect can be achieved via the stable fibula by means of several modifications of the fibula-pro-tibia operation. It can be demonstrated by various examples that the fibula and its stability should be considered more often in the therapeutic management of lower leg fractures and non-unions of the tibia.     

Low rate of malalignment using the tibial traction triangle for infrapatellar nailing of distal tibia fractures

ObjectivesTo report on the immediate postoperative alignment of distal tibia fractures (within 10 cm of the tibial plafond) treated with infrapatellar intramedullary nailing (IMN) using the tibial traction triangle (TTT).MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study at a Level-I academic trauma center, with eighty-one skeletally mature patients with closed distal tibia fractures treated over a 10-year period with closed infrapatellar intramedullary nailing, without fibula fixation, using the TTT. The primary outcome measure is primary malalignment ≥5°.ResultsPrimary malalignment occurred in 4 (4.9%) patients, all in the coronal plane. Mean coronal plane alignment was 1.72° valgus (range 3° varus to 8° valgus). No sagittal malalignment occurred. The fibula was intact in 5 (6.2%) cases. No patients underwent fibula fixation or blocking screw placement. Intra-articular extension occurred in 28 (34.6%) cases. Mean fracture distance from the plafond was 5.98 cm. Thirty-one patients had a fracture within 5 cm of the plafond, where malalignment was noted in 2 (6.5%) patients.ConclusionsThis is the first analysis of a large cohort of patients with distal tibia fractures treated with the TTT. Use of this device leads to a very low rate of primary malalignment with infrapatellar nailing, even in extremely distal fractures. We recommend consideration of this device as one more adjunct to help treat these difficult fractures successfully.     

Lower extremity fracture fixation in head-injured patients.

Compared with nonsurgical management or delayed repair, early fracture fixation can reduce the incidence of pulmonary complications in patients with long-bone fractures of the lower extremities. Blunt trauma victims often have multiple nonskeletal injuries that might influence the risk of pulmonary complications, and when head injuries are present it has been a common practice to delay nonemergent operations for several days to protect the injured brain. We conducted a retrospective review of 114 patients with multiple trauma whose injuries included head trauma and a fracture of the neck or shaft of the femur or shaft of the tibia to determine if delayed stabilization of lower extremity fractures increased the risk of pulmonary complications or reduced the risk of cerebral complications. Forty-six patients underwent surgical fixation of their fractures within 24 hours of injury (early fixation), 26 patients had their fractures repaired more than 24 hours after injury (late fixation), and 42 patients did not undergo surgical fracture fixation. The risk of pulmonary complications was not related to the timing of surgical fracture fixation but was strongly influenced by the severity of injuries to the head and to the chest (p less than 0.001). Furthermore, a delay in fracture fixation did not protect the injured brain; the risk of CNS events was determined by the severity of the head injury (p less than 0.0001). Early fracture fixation in patients with head injury may be appropriate because it simplifies patient care and does not seem to worsen the head injury, but it does not prevent pulmonary complications in these high-risk patients.     

Nonarticular proximal tibia fractures: treatment options and decision making.

Nonarticular proximal-third fractures account for 5% to 11% of tibial shaft injuries and occur as a result of a variety of mechanisms. Treatment is more challenging than for more distal fractures, and the rates of compartment syndrome and arterial injury are higher, especially for displaced fractures. Closed management often leads to varus malunion, especially when the fibula is intact. Closed treatment should therefore be reserved for nondisplaced or minimally displaced fractures with little soft-tissue injury. Plating of the proximal tibia has become a less popular alternative because of the high incidence of infection and fixation failure. However, judicious use of lateral plates as an adjunct to medial external fixation in comminuted fractures can be effective. External fixation remains the most versatile method. It is indicated for fractures with short proximal fragments and in cases of extensive soft-tissue injury that would preclude use of other surgical techniques. Temporary joint-spanning external fixation has a role in the initial management of certain fracture patterns, particularly when accompanied by severe soft-tissue injury. Although intramedullary nailing can lead to valgus malunion in a sizable percentage of patients with this injury, it can be useful for stabilizing fractures with proximal fragments longer than 5 to 6 cm. Placing the entry portal more proximal and lateral, locking in extension, and using specific techniques, such as blocking screws, can improve alignment after nailing. Use of an algorithm that takes into account the severity of soft-tissue injury, the length of the fracture fragment, and the degree of fracture stability allows effective decision making among current treatment techniques.     

Plating of the fibula. Its potential value as an adjunct to external fixation of the tibia

There is added stability when plate fixation of the fibula supplements the external fixator used in treating tibial fractures associated with a segmental defect. An anatomic specimen model of a Grade III open fracture of the tibia with an associated fibular fracture was used in this study. Fibular internal fixation using an AO standard plate was performed on one of each of five matched pairs of legs. These were then subjected to identical loads in compression and torsion. The numeric values obtained during loading in all modes were converted to ratios between each of the tested pair to directly compare the effect of stabilization of the fibula. The final results showed that in each case, the preparation with fibular plating had improved resistance to deformation in axial loading. On average, the plated specimens were 2.2 times stiffer. In torsion, plating the fibula did not appear to affect the resistance of the construct to the applied load. Supplemental plate fixation of the fibula in fractures of the tibia with segmental defects may improve subsequent morbidity. The increased rigidity of the system may be sufficient to allow partial to full weight bearing immediately after surgery. This may have significant value in the management of the polytraumatized patient.     

Dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint in association with a tibial shaft fracture: two case reports and a literature review

Dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) in association with a displaced tibial shaft fracture and an intact fibula is an exceedingly rare injury. We present 2 cases of tibia fractures associated with an intact fibula and a PTFJ dislocation. The first case involves a man who sustained a closed spiral fracture of the distal tibial shaft, with an intact fibula, an anterolaterally dislocated PTFJ, and a partial tear of the lateral collateral ligament. The tibia was percutaneously plated, and the PTFJ was reduced and then stabilized with temporary screw fixation. The second case involves a woman who sustained a closed fracture of the tibia in association with a PTFJ dislocation. The tibia was fixed with an intramedullary nail, and the PTFJ was similarly reduced and fixed with a temporary screw. We also provide a brief literature review focusing on classification of PTFJ dislocations, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, and treatment options.     

Dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint in association with a tibial shaft fracture: two case reports and a literature review.

Dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) in association with a displaced tibial shaft fracture and an intact fibula is an exceedingly rare injury. We present 2 cases of tibia fractures associated with an intact fibula and a PTFJ dislocation. The first case involves a man who sustained a closed spiral fracture of the distal tibial shaft, with an intact fibula, an anterolaterally dislocated PTFJ, and a partial tear of the lateral collateral ligament. The tibia was percutaneously plated, and the PTFJ was reduced and then stabilized with temporary screw fixation. The second case involves a woman who sustained a closed fracture of the tibia in association with a PTFJ dislocation. The tibia was fixed with an intramedullary nail, and the PTFJ was similarly reduced and fixed with a temporary screw. We also provide a brief literature review focusing on classification of PTFJ dislocations, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, and treatment options.     

To fix or not to fix? The role of fibular fixation in distal shaft fractures of the leg

Background

The role of stabilisation of the fibula in distal two-bone fractures of the leg is controversial. Some studies indicate the need for fibular stabilisation in 43 AO fractures, but few studies consider the role of the fibula in 42 AO fractures. The aim of the current paper is to explain the role of stabilisation of the fibula in 42 AO fractures, correlating the rates of healing and non-union between patients with and without fibula fixation.

Materials and methods

A total of 60 patients with 42 AO (distal) shaft fracture of the tibia with associated fracture of the fibula were selected. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not the fibula was fixed: Group I (n = 26) comprised patients who had their fibula fixed while Group II (n = 34) comprised patients who did not. The fibular fracture was classified according to the AO and related to the level of the tibial fracture. Other parameters examined were the union rate of the two groups correlated to the fracture pattern and position of the fibular fracture; the demographic data, such as age and gender; the presence of an open fracture, and the type of tibial fixation device used (nail or plate).

Results

None of the parameters considered (open injury, AO classification, device used and level of the fibular fracture relative to the tibial) were shown to have an influence on the development of a non-union.

Conclusion

This study showed a higher non-union rate when the fracture of the tibia and fibula were at the same level, the tibia was fixed with a bridging plate and the fibula left untouched. For this reason, we recommend fibular fixation in all 42 distal fractures when both fractures lie on the same plane and the tibial fracture is relatively stabilised.     

Operative strategies in the treatment of upper limb fractures in polytraumatized patients

BACKGROUND: Optimal timing of operative treatment of upper extremity long bone fractures in polytraumatized patients depends on the type and location of the fractures, as well as on the cardiorespiratory stability of the patient, and should be early in diaphyseal fractures in order to optimize intensive care treatment. The timing of surgery in cases of upper limb fractures is secondary to life-saving therapies. The same applies to stabilization of fractures of the lower limbs, including fractures of the femur and tibial shaft. METHODS: The recommended operative procedure for adult polytraumatized patients with closed or open humeral shaft fractures of grade I or II is intramedullary nailing or plating. For closed or open lower arm fractures of grade I or II, plating is the best procedure, or alternatively nailing. For upper extremity epi- or metaphyseal fractures plating is preferred. Specific fracture situations require specific operative treatments, for example traction band for olecranon fractures, external fixation for distal radial multi-fragmentary fractures. The external fixator may be the optimal approach in grade III open fractures of the upper extremity long bones. The main difference in paediatric fractures is not the timing of the procedure, but the selection of the technique, which has to respect the epiphyseal growth plates. RESULTS: Additional vessel injuries require quick diagnosis and early vessel reconstruction in the presence of cardiopulmonary stability. Open fractures should have a higher therapeutic priority if they are associated with vessel/nerve lesions. The strategy in additional nerve injuries depends on the type of lesion. Nerve decompression should take place together with fracture stabilization; necessary nerve reconstruction should be performed secondarily. The primary phase should be limited to fracture fixation. If the fracture is combined with a compartment syndrome, decompression by fasciotomy together with fracture fixation ensuring cardiopulmonary stability has be performed. CONCLUSION: Amputations at the upper extremity in polytraumatized patients are only occasionally indicated in very severe injuries. In injuries involving total amputation, depending on the condition of the limb, immediate reattachment should be attempted if the cardiorespiratory situation of the patient is stable.     

胫腓骨粉碎骨折钢丝穿扎加内固定治疗

目的:报告在胫腓骨粉碎骨折治疗中,用细不锈钢丝穿扎碎骨块后,再行常法内固定,获得良好疗效。方法:在离骨折线边缘0.3～0.5cm处,将碎骨片和骨干钻小孔2对,用不锈钢丝将碎骨片固定于骨干,然后用钢板或髓内钉将连有碎骨片的两段骨干行内固定。结果:平均随访20个月。24例中,疗效优良者20例,占83.3％;短缩2cm者2例,占8.3％;感染而不愈合者2例,占8.3％。结论:钢丝穿扎加内固定是手术治疗胫腓骨粉碎骨折的首选方法。     

扩髓带锁髓内钉治疗股骨、胫骨干骨折不愈合、延迟愈合

目的　总结使用扩髓带锁髓内钉治疗股骨、胫骨干骨骨折不愈合、延迟愈合的临床经验。方法　回顾自 1999年 4月～2 0 0 1年 6月使用扩髓带锁髓内钉治疗股骨干、胫骨干骨折不愈合、延迟愈合病人 2 1例 ,其中股骨 8例 ,胫骨 13例 ,钢板固定术后 ,股骨 3例 ,胫骨 6例。普通髓内针股骨 5例。外固定架胫骨 2例。石膏固定胫骨 3例 ,骨牵引股骨 2例。均采用有限切口切开复位顺行扩髓 ,静力锁定加植骨术。结果　随访半年以上 18例 ,骨折均愈合 ,临近关节功能达正常。无感染、断钉等并发症。结论　采用有限切口切开复位、扩髓、静力锁定治疗股骨、胫骨干骨折不愈合、延迟愈合 ,具有骨折稳定性可靠、有利于骨折愈合和早期关节活动的优点 ,是治疗股骨、胫骨干骨折不愈合、延迟愈合的有效方法之一。