Treatment of distal metaphyseal tibia fractures with involvement of the ankle by combination of locked intramedullary nailing and covered screw osteosynthesis

Fractures of the distal metaphysis of the tibia often include an extension into the ankle. Intramedullary nailing combined with covered screw osteosynthesis should reduce the high incidence of soft tissue and ankle problems and should be an alternative to open plate fixation, with good ultimate functional outcome. Between January 1993 and December 1995, a prospective study on 49 patients with distal metaphyseal tibia fracture and involvement of the ankle was performed. All the fractures were treated with intramedullary nailing combined with covered screw osteosynthesis, and plate fixation in cases of fibula fractures. There were 27 men and 22 women with an average age of 46.4 +/- 12.7 years (range 21-90). In most studies of the use of intramedullary nailing in distal tibial fractures the classification has been inadequate. Therefore a new classification according to Robinson et al. (1995) was used: 10 fractures were type II B (20.4%), 13 were type II C (26.5%), and 26 patients suffered a combination of type II B and type II C (53.1%). This fracture type was defined as type II D for use in this study. The severity of soft tissue injury was recorded using the Gustilo system in case of open (n = 19) and the Tscheme system in case of closed fractures (n = 30). In 31 patients distal tibia fracture was accompanied by a fracture of the fibula, which was first stabilized using a plate. For reconstruction of the distal articular surface, covered screw osteosynthesis was done. At the next step intramedullary nails were inserted and were statically locked proximally and distally. From January 1993 to February 1994, the reamed AO standard nail was used. After introduction of the unreamed tibial nail (UTN) all fractures were treated by this implant. Full load on the operated leg was allowed after 8 weeks. Union of the fracture was assessed by standard radiological and clinical criteria. Misalignment was defined as more than 5 degrees of angular rotation. Further surgery due to a valgus deformity in the ankle joint had to be done in three cases. There were no deep infections. Three patients had a superficial infection in the ankle area, but surgical debridement was not necessary. A leg shortening was found in 4 cases, but it was less than 1 cm in every case. Therefore, surgical correction was not done. Patients were reviewed at intervals of 2, 6, and 12 weeks, and after 6, and at least 12 months. All 49 patients were finally reviewed after an average time of 15.7 months (range 12-38). Bone fusion was reached 12.8 weeks (range 9-21) after the operative treatment. A specific assessment of the ankle symptoms was made using the score of Olerud and Molander (1984). In 29 patients excellent results were recorded. A satisfactory result was attained with 17 patients and just 3 patients were found to be unsatisfactory. Although proximity of distal tibia fracture to the ankle makes the treatment more complicated than for fractures of the tibial diaphysis, closed intramedullary nailing combined with covered screw fixation is a good alternative to open reduction and plate fixation. The major advantages are closed procedure and simplified interlocking techniques. Therefore, closed intramedullary nailing combined with covered screw fixation is a safe and effective method of managing this type of fracture.     

钢板与髓内钉内固定治疗胫骨远端骨折的疗效比较

目的探讨钢板内固定与髓内钉内固定治疗胫骨远端AO-A型骨折的疗效。方法79例患者根据内固定方式分为钢板组(采用锁定解剖钢板内固定,45例)和髓内钉组(采用髓内钉内固定,34例)。比较手术时间、术中出血量、骨折愈合时间、并发症、末次随访时踝关节活动度及Lowa评分。结果患者均获得随访,时间12~28周。手术时间、术中出血量、骨折愈合时间、末次随访时踝关节活动度及Lowa评分髓内钉组均优于钢板组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01)。并发症发生例数两组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论钢板内固定与髓内钉内固定治疗胫骨远端AO-A型骨折均有效。髓内钉在AO-A型骨折的治疗中有一定的优势,但需要严格掌握手术适应证。     

Open tibial fractures: faster union after unreamed nailing than external fixation

Unreamed intramedullary nailing is an alternative to external fixation in the treatment of open tibial fractures. We compared a prospective series of thirty-one patients managed with a solid nail with static interlocking without intramedullary reaming, with a retrospective series of thirty-one patients managed by external fixation. The protocol for soft tissue treatment was the same throughout the study period. Most fractures were caused by high energy trauma and included Grade I to III B injuries. The fracture wound infection rate was equal in both groups; there were two deep and three superficial infections in the nail group and three deep and two superficial infections in the external fixation group. In addition, eleven patients in the external fixation group had severe pin track infections. The mean time to union was five months in the nail group and eight months in the external fixation group. The incidence of delayed union was twice as high in the external fixation group as in the nail group. The number of surgical procedures performed to promote union was three times higher in the external fixation group. The malunion rate did not differ between the groups. Although the treatment groups are not fully comparable, the results indicate that intramedullary nailing is superior to external fixation in the treatment of most open tibial fractures.     

预置阻挡钉在治疗胫骨螺旋形骨折合并后踝骨折中的作用

目的 探讨预置阻挡钉在治疗胫骨中下1/3 螺旋形骨折合并后踝骨折中的作用.方法 回顾性分析2018 年5月至2020 年6 月收治的24 例胫骨中下1/3 螺旋形骨折合并后踝骨折患者临床资料.所有患者均采用预置阻挡钉技术,并进行髓内钉及空心钉内固定治疗.术后记录胫骨正位 X 线片上冠状面力线(胫骨远端外侧角)、膝关节疼...     

Modified tibial nails for treating distal tibia fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the biomechanical consequences of cutting one centimeter off the tip of a tibial nail when treating distal tibia fractures with intramedullary nails. DESIGN: Randomized laboratory investigation using matched pairs of cadaveric tibias with osteotomies made to resemble distal tibia fractures extending to four and five centimeters from the tibiotalar joints. INTERVENTION: The smaller (four-centimeter) distal tibias were stabilized using ten-millimeter diameter tibial nails that had been modified by removing the distal one centimeter of the nail. The five-centimeter distal tibias were stabilized with standard ten-millimeter diameter tibial nails. Each tibia was tested in elastic compression, rotation, and compression-bending on a servohydraulic materials testing machine. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Stiffness was calculated for each type of loading to compare stability of the modified nail construct to that of the standard nail construct. RESULTS: Four-centimeter distal tibia fragments stabilized with modified nails have comparable stiffness in compression and in torsion to five-centimeter distal tibia fragments stabilized with standard tibial nails. The stiffness in compression-bending was surprisingly low in both groups and differed by only 3.7 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of one centimeter from the tip of a tibial nail allows placement of two distal interlocking screws in tibial fractures located four centimeters from the tibiotalar joint. The fixation strength achieved is comparable to that of standard intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures located five centimeters from the tibiotalar joint using two distal interlocking screws. Fixation strength with these distal fractures, however, is not strong enough to resist moderate compression-bending loads. Thus, patients with distal tibia fractures treated with intramedullary nailing must follow weight-bearing restrictions until significant fracture healing occurs to prevent coronal plane malalignment of the fracture.     

胫骨近端关节外骨折髓内钉治疗与钢板固定治疗的比较

Limited, poor evidence is available for comparing the treatment of extraarticular proximal tibial fractures by intramedullary nail or plate fixation. There was no difference in the rates of nonunion for either treatment. Significantly less patients treated by intramedullary nailing experience infection than patients treated by plating, whereas more patients treated by intramedullary nailing experienced malunion or compartment syndrome than those treated by intramedullary nailing. Implant failure occurred only in patients treated by intramedullary nailing. However,definitive conclusions cannot be drawn from this collection of case-series and a well-conducted prospective or randomized controlled trial would be a significant addition to this subject.     

闭合复位有限扩髓带锁髓内钉治疗胫骨骨折

目的探讨闭合复位、有限扩髓带锁髓内钉治疗胫骨骨折的疗效。方法应用闭合复位、有限扩髓带锁髓内钉治疗胫骨骨折73例,均静力固定。对合并有腓骨骨折的胫骨不稳定性骨折,行腓骨骨折固定。结果患者均获随访,时间6—21（13．6±3．2）个月,骨折均愈合,时间4～10（6．2±1．6）个月。功能恢复按Johner—Wruhs标准：优62例,良11例。3例出现骨折延迟愈合,无骨折畸形愈合、小腿骨筋膜室综合征、断钉等并发症。结论闭合复位、有限扩髓带锁髓内钉治疗胫骨骨折具有固定牢固、微创、加快骨折愈合,减少骨不连、断钉等优势,是治疗胫骨骨折一种较好的内固定方法。     

胫腓骨多段骨折不同手术方法疗效分析

目的探讨胫腓骨多段骨折不同手术方法的临床疗效。方法对68例胫腓骨多段骨折者分别采用闭合复位三维外固定架（32例）、带锁髓内钉（17例）、加压钢板（19例）治疗,比较3种方法的疗效。结果 68例均获得随访,时间6-24（14±3）个月。加压钢板组2例出现感染及骨不连。三维外固定架组治疗胫腓骨多段骨折在手术时间、住院时间、手术切口、出血量、输液天数、住院费用、骨折愈合时间等方面均优于带锁髓内钉组和加压钢板组（P〈0.05）。参照Johner-Wruh评定标准,优良率：三维外固定架组93.75%,带锁髓内钉组88.24%,加压钢板组89.48%。结论闭合复位三维外固定架治疗胫腓骨多段骨折疗效优于带锁髓内钉和加压钢板。     

Distal Tibial Fractures: Intramedullary Nailing

The tibia is an exposed bone with vulnerable soft tissue coverage and is therefore predisposed to local soft tissue problems and delayed bone healing. The objective in distal tibial fracture treatment is to achieve stable fixation patterns with a minimum of soft-tissue affection. Thus, the risk of soft tissue breakdown and bone healing complications is more likely related to open reduction and plating. Percutaneous, minimally invasive intramedullary nailing is a proven fixation mode for fracture stabilization in tibial shaft fractures. Anticipating the pitfalls, intramedullary nailing meets the requirements of the method of choice in distal tibial fracture fixation. In conclusion, intramedullary nailing of distal tibial fractures is a reliable method of fixation, possessing the advantages of closed reduction and symmetric fracture stabilization of an area with a delicate soft tissue situation, but prospective randomized trials are needed to compare modern intramedullary fracture fixation with modern plate fixation in distal tibial fractures.     

Tibial shaft fractures in children and adolescents

Tibial shaft fractures are among the most common pediatric injuries managed by orthopaedic surgeons. Treatment is individualized based on patient age, concomitant injuries, fracture pattern, associated soft-tissue and neurovascular injury, and surgeon experience. Closed reduction and casting is the mainstay of treatment for diaphyseal tibial fractures. Careful clinical and radiographic follow-up with remanipulation as necessary is effective for most patients. Surgical management options include external fixation, locked intramedullary nail fixation in the older adolescent with closed physis, Kirschner wire fixation, and flexible intramedullary nailing. Union of pediatric diaphyseal tibial fractures occurs in approximately 10 weeks; nonunion occurs in <2% of cases. Some clinicians consider sagittal deformity angulation >10 degrees to be malunion and indicate that 10 degrees of valgus and 5 degrees of varus may not reliably remodel. Compartment syndromes associated with tibial shaft fractures occur less frequently in children and adolescents than in adults. Diagnosis may be difficult in a young child or one with altered mental status. Although the toddler fracture of the tibia is one of the most common in children younger than age 2 years, child abuse must be considered in the young child with an inconsistent history or with suspicious concomitant injuries.     

Effect of fibular plate fixation on rotational stability of simulated distal tibial fractures treated with intramedullary nailing

BACKGROUND: The effect of an intact fibula on rotational stability after a distal tibial fracture has, to the best of our knowledge, not been clearly defined. We designed a cadaver study to clarify our clinical impression that fixation of the fibula with a plate increases rotational stability of distal tibial fractures fixed with a Russell-Taylor intramedullary nail. METHODS: Seven matched pairs of embalmed human cadaveric legs and sixteen fresh-frozen human cadaveric legs, including one matched pair, were tested. To simulate fractures, 5-mm transverse segmental defects were created at the same level in the tibia and fibula, 7 cm proximal to the ankle joint in each bone. The tibia was stabilized with a 9-mm Russell-Taylor intramedullary nail that was statically locked with two proximal and two distal screws. Each specimen was tested without fibular fixation as well as with fibular fixation with a six-hole semitubular plate. A biaxial mechanical testing machine was used in torque control mode with an initial axial load of 53 to 71 N applied to the tibial condyle. Angular displacement was measured in 0.56-N-m torque increments to a maximal torque of 4.52 N-m (40 in-lb). RESULTS: Initially, significantly less displacement (p < or = 0.05) was produced in the specimens with fibular plate fixation than in those without fibular plate fixation. The difference in angular displacement between the specimens treated with and without plate fixation was established at the first torque data point measured but did not increase as the torque was increased. No significant difference in the rotational stiffness was found between the specimens treated with and without plate fixation after measurement of the second torque data point (between 1.68 and 4.48 N-m). CONCLUSIONS: Fibular plate fixation increased the initial rotational stability after distal tibial fracture compared with that provided by tibial intramedullary nailing alone. However, there was no difference in rotational structural stiffness between the specimens treated with and without plate fixation as applied torque was increased.     

复杂胫腓骨骨折治疗方法的选择

目的探讨严重复杂胫腓骨骨折治疗过程中手术时机、方法及内固定物的选择。方法177例胫腓骨骨折（42C型）患者均为二期行手术治疗。一期以全身及局部情况恢复为主,骨折先予以外固定支架或跟骨结节牵引等暂时固定,待情况稳定后,二期采用微创技术对骨折予以交锁髓内钉（118例）或钢板（59例）内固定,术后不辅以其他外固定。结果所有患者均得到随访,时间6～36个月。伤口愈合可,骨折无延迟愈合、畸形愈合。骨折临床愈合时间：髓内钉组14～16周,钢板内固定组14～17周。根据Johner-Wruhs评分,优良率分别为94%（111/118）及86%（51/59）。结论掌握好手术时机,合理地选择内固定物,结合微创手术技术,是治疗严重复杂胫腓骨骨折手术成功的关键。     

Interlocking nails for displaced metaphyseal fractures of the distal tibia

Metaphyseal fractures of the distal tibia near the ankle joint are difficult to manage. Poor soft tissue coverage and comminution of the fracture complicate open reduction. This prospective study aims to evaluate the practicability of using interlocking nails to treat such fractures. Using the method of closed reduction and internal fixation with a shortened tibial interlocking nail, 20 consecutive cases of distal tibial metaphyseal fractures within 4 cm of the ankle joint line were enrolled from 1997 to 2001. All patients received regular post-operative radiographic check-up and the ankle function was evaluated with the Iowa Ankle-Evaluation rating system. Our result was satisfactory and all of the fractures united solidly with a mean union time of 17.2 weeks. No major complication occurred. We conclude that tibial interlocking nailing is a reliable and safe method for managing metaphyseal fractures of the distal tibia near the ankle joint.     

Fractures of the distal tibia: minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis

Unstable fractures of the distal tibia that are not suitable for intramedullary nailing are commonly treated by open reduction and internal fixation and/or external fixation, or treated non-operatively. Treatment of these injuries using minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) techniques may minimise soft tissue injury and damage to the vascular integrity of the fracture fragments. We report the results of 20 patients treated by MIPO for closed fractures of the distal tibia. Their mean age was 38.3 years (range: 17-71 years). Fractures were classified according to the AO system, and intra-articular extensions according to Rüedi and Allg?wer. The mean time to full weight-bearing was 12 weeks (range: 8-20 weeks) and to union was 23 weeks (range: 18-29 weeks), without need for further surgery. There was one malunion, no deep infections and no failures of fixation. MIPO is an effective treatment for closed, unstable fractures of the distal tibia, avoiding the complications associated with more traditional methods of internal fixation and/or external fixation.     

胫骨干骨折带锁髓内钉固定和钢板螺钉固定的对比研究

目的：对照回顾性分析带锁髓内钉和钢板内固定两种方法治疗胫骨干骨折的效果。方法：髓内钉组32例（35处骨折）,根据AO分型,42A型11处,42B型18处,42C型6处;钢板组42例（45处骨折）,42A型10处,42B型22处,42C型13处。平均伤后手术时间在髓内钉和钢板组分别为3d和3.5d。随访评估患者手术时间,活动度,愈合时间,术后并发症之间的差别。结果：术后平均随访13个月（8～26个月）。髓内钉组平均手术时间为84min,钢板螺钉组平均为93min。髓内钉组踝关节平均背屈度为13°（0°～20°）,钢板组为11°（0°～20°）;跖屈分别为41°（30°～50°）,47°（30°～50°）。愈合时间髓内钉组平均为3.3个月,钢板螺钉平均为3.5个月。术后X线片显示髓内钉固定有1例出现旋转畸形,钢板组有3例出现成角畸形,均为胫骨远端1/3骨折。结论：在治疗胫骨骨折方面,带锁髓内钉和钢板内固定两种方法都可以取得理想的效果。     

Treatment of distal tibial shaft fractures by three different surgical methods: a randomized,prospective study

Purpose

A few studies focused on the methods of treatment for displaced distal tibial shaft fractures have been published, all of which compared two different methods. In this randomized, prospective study, we aimed to compare minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis, locking intramedullary nail stabilization and external fixation combined with limited open reduction and absorbable internal fixation for distal tibial shaft fractures by assessing complications and secondary procedures.

Methods

From November 2002 to June 2012, 137 skeletally mature patients with displaced distal tibial shaft fractures with or without fibula fracture were randomized to be treated by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (group A, n = 46), locking intramedullary nail (group B, n = 46) or external fixation combined with limited open reduction and absorbable internal fixation (group C, n = 45). Age, gender, mechanism of injury, fracture pattern and presence of open fracture were equally distributed among the three groups. Indexes for evaluation included hospital stay, operative time, time to radiographic union, union status, infection and the incidence of re-operation. Mazur ankle score was introduced for functional evaluation. Statistics Analysis System (SAS) 9.2 was used for analysis.

Results

A total of 121 patients were included in the final analysis (group A 42, group B 40 and group C 39) and evaluated after a mean of 14.8 months follow-up. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in hospital stay, time to radiographic union and the incidence of union status among the three groups. Although group C was associated with less secondary procedures versus groups A and B, it was related with more pin tract infections (15.4 %). Anterior knee pain occurred frequently after locking intramedullary nailing (37.5 %) and the irritation symptoms were more frequently encountered in group A (59.5 %). There was no difference in ankle function between the three methods after operation (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

We consider that the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis, locking intramedullary nail stabilization and external fixation combined with limited open reduction and absorbable internal fixation techniques are all efficient methods for treating distal tibia fractures. With its wide indications, external fixation combined with limited open reduction and absorbable internal fixation leads to minimal soft tissue complication, good functional result and no local soft tissue irritation or implant removal.     

A randomised pilot trial of "locking plate" fixation versus intramedullary nailing for extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia

The ideal form of fixation for displaced, extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia remains controversial. In the UK, open reduction and internal fixation with locking-plates and intramedullary nailing are the two most common forms of treatment. Both techniques provide reliable fixation but both are associated with specific complications. There is little information regarding the functional recovery following either procedure. We performed a randomised pilot trial to determine the functional outcome of 24 adult patients treated with either a locking-plate (n = 12) or an intramedullary nailing (n = 12). At six months, there was an adjusted difference of 13 points in the Disability Rating Index in favour of the intramedullary nail. However, this was not statistically significant in this pilot trial (p = 0.498). A total of seven patients required further surgery in the locking-plate group and one in the intramedullary nail group. This study suggests that there may be clinically relevant, functional differences in patients treated with nail versus locking-plate fixation for fractures of the distal tibia and differences in related complications. Further trials are required to confirm the findings of this pilot investigation.     

不同固定方法治疗青少年胫骨骨折的比较

目的：通过对3种固定方法的疗效及并发症比较并研究其有关影响因素,探讨治疗青少年胫骨骨折固定方式的选择.方法：2007年1月至2012年1月收治青少年胫骨骨折患者79例（83处骨折）,男55例,女24例;年龄11～17.6岁,平均13.9岁.分别采用弹性髓内钉、钢板及外固定支架进行固定治疗,并行回顾性分析.观察比较各组住院时间、骨折愈合时间以及并发症发生率和再手术发生率等.结果：所有患者得到随访,平均随访时间为15.8个月.骨折愈合时间与固定方式、高能量损伤、多发骨折、开放性骨折因素显著相关.且外固定支架组愈合时间明显长于弹性髓内钉组和钢板组.外固定支架组并发症发生率明显高于弹性髓内钉组和钢板组.4例弹性髓内钉固定患者需再手术（复位丢失2例、延迟愈合和畸形愈合各1例）.6例外固定支架患者需再手术（复位丢失3例,畸形愈合2例,钉道感染1例）.2例钢板固定患者因不愈合、成角畸形行二次手术.通过统计学分析：外固定支架与弹性髓内钉固定术比较有7.56倍（95％可信区间=3.74～29.87）的复位丢失和（或）畸形愈合风险.未次随访时,3组疗效结果差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.结论：不同方法治疗青少年胫骨干骨折中,外固定支架固定术并发症发生率最高,弹性髓内钉可以达到其他固定系统效果并可避免大部分并发症,手术方式选择取决于医生的经验以及患者基本情况和骨折类型.     

Intramedullary nailing of distal metaphyseal tibial fractures

BACKGROUND: The treatment of distal metaphyseal tibial fractures remains controversial. This study was performed to evaluate the results of intramedullary nailing of distal tibial fractures located within 5 cm of the ankle joint. METHODS: Over a sixteen-month period at two institutions, thirty-six tibial fractures that involved the distal 5 cm of the tibia were treated with reamed intramedullary nailing with use of either two or three distal interlocking screws. Ten fractures with articular extension were treated with supplementary screw fixation prior to the intramedullary nailing. Radiographs were reviewed to determine the immediate and final alignments and fracture-healing. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (MFA) questionnaires were used to evaluate functional outcome. RESULTS: Acceptable radiographic alignment, defined as <5 degrees of angulation in any plane, was obtained in thirty-three patients (92%). No patient had any change in alignment between the immediate postoperative and the final radiographic evaluation. Complications included one deep infection and one iatrogenic fracture at the time of the intramedullary nailing. Six patients could not be followed. The remaining thirty fractures united at an average of 23.5 weeks. Three patients with associated traumatic bone loss underwent a staged autograft procedure, and they had fracture-healing at an average of 44.3 weeks. The functional outcome was determined at a minimum of one year for nineteen patients and at a minimum of two years (average, 4.5 years) for fifteen patients. At one year, there were significant limitations in several domains despite fracture union and maintenance of alignment, but there was improvement in the MFA scores with time. CONCLUSIONS: Intramedullary nailing is an effective alternative for the treatment of distal metaphyseal tibial fractures. Simple articular extension of the fracture is not a contraindication to intramedullary fixation. Functional outcomes improve with time.     

Acute unreamed intramedullary nailing and soft tissue reconstruction with muscle flaps for the treatment of severe open tibial shaft fractures

BACKGROUND: The treatment of open tibial shaft fractures remains controversial. Important considerations in surgical management include surgical timing, fixation technique and soft tissue coverage. This study was performed to evaluate the results of acute surgical debridement, unreamed nailing and soft tissue reconstruction in the treatment of severe open tibial shaft fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 10-year period between January 1993 and July 2002, 927 tibial shaft fractures were treated with interlocking intramedullary nails. Among them, there were 19 consecutive patients with Gustilo type IIIB to IIIC open tibial shaft fractures with extensive soft tissue injury needing a muscle flap coverage and being suitable for intramedullary nailing. All 19 patients were called for a late follow-up which was conducted with a physical examination and a radiographic and functional outcome assessment. The radiographs were reviewed to determine the fracture healing time and the final alignment. RESULTS: All 19 open fractures with severe soft tissue injury healed without any infection complications. The fractures united in a mean of 8 months. Nine patients had delayed fracture healing (union time over 24 weeks). One of these patients needed exchange nailing, one patient autogenous bone grafting and dynamisation on the nail and seven patients needed dynamisation of the nail before the final fracture healing. In all patients, the alignment was well maintained. However, seven patients had shortening of the tibia by 1-2 cm and two of them also external rotation of 10 degrees . The functional outcome was good in 18/19 patients. INTERPRETATION: Acute surgical debridement, unreamed interlocking intramedullary nailing and soft tissue reconstruction with a muscle flap appear to be a safe and effective method of treatment for Gustilo type IIIB open tibial shaft fractures.