Treatment of unstable tibial shaft fractures by closed intramedullary nailing with flexible (Ender-type) pins.

Eighty patients with unstable tibial diaphyseal fractures were treated by closed intramedullary nailing with Ender-type flexible pins. The majority of injuries occurred from falling while snow skiing. Sixty-six fractures were closed and 14 were open. Fifty-eight fractures involved the distal, 21 fractures the middle, and one fracture the proximal one third of the tibial shaft. The average time to roentgenographic union was 15.5 weeks (range, ten to 34 weeks) for closed and open Grade I and II fractures. The time to union in Grade III fractures was 50 weeks (range, 36-64 weeks). There were two nonunions and two delayed unions. Both nonunions occurred in Grade IIIA open shaft fractures. Intramedullary stabilization with flexible, Ender-type pins provides good control of unstable tibial shaft fractures. The use of pins with a smaller diameter (3.5 or 4 mm) allows the surgeon to place more pins across the fracture site. The use of multiple pins and packing the intramedullary canal may provide better rotational stability. The use of Ender-type pins for fixation of Type IIIA open tibial shaft fractures is contraindicated.     

Intramedullary nailing technique and its effect on union rates of tibial shaft fracture

Seventy tibial shaft fractures treated by intramedullary nailing using two different techniques were compared. The first group (35 cases) was treated with a Herzog intramedullary nail following hand reaming and minimal traction. The second group (35 cases) had a Grosse and Kempf or AO nail inserted following power reaming and skeletal traction. Fracture patterns were similar in both groups. In the hand-reamed group, the mean time to union was 15.2 weeks with two delayed unions and no non-unions. In the power-reamed group, the mean time to union was 19.9 weeks with 10 delayed unions and two non-unions. These differences were statistically significant. Complications in the hand-reamed group included a Sudecks atrophy and one mal-union. In the power-reamed group, there were three transient foot drops, two compartment syndromes and one pulmonary embolus. This difference was not statistically significant. Our findings suggest that surgical technique has an important effect on the healing rates of nailed tibial shaft fractures. When intramedullary nailing is performed, minimal reaming is required and skeletal traction should be avoided if possible.     

The clinical performance of a small diameter tibial nailing system with a mechanical distal aiming device

We present the clinical and radiographic results of a prospective study with the Orthofix tibial nailing system. The ease and safety of distal locking with the use of an improved targeting system was also evaluated. Sixty fresh tibial fractures in 60 patients with a mean age of 37.3 years (range 17-73 years) were treated. Eighteen of the fractures were grade I open fractures. All operations were performed in a conventional operating theatre on a simple transparent operating table, with reduction of the fracture performed under manual traction and manipulation of the fracture site. Hand reaming was then performed to ensure, where possible, the insertion of a nail of at least 9 mm in diameter. Fracture healing was observed at a mean of 17 weeks (12-28 weeks). No tibial non-unions occurred in our series, and only three fractures, two segmental and one severely comminuted, showed delayed union. No infection, either superficial or deep, was found and no cardio-pulmonary complications were recorded. Following surgery, all patients gained a full range of pain-free movement of the ankle and knee joints and only six patients (10%) complained of mild anterior knee pain. All patients returned to their previous jobs one month after fracture healing had been confirmed clinically and radiographically. Following nailing, no deviation from normal tibial alignment was detected. No mechanical failure of either the nails or the locking screws was recorded. The mean duration of operation (skin to skin) was 30 min (range 20-45 min) and the mean total theatre time was 55 min (range 40-75 min). The mean total intensification time was 5 s. In total, 120 distal locking screws were inserted using the external targeting device. All attempts at distal locking except five (4.2%) were successful with two failures in the same patient being a result of inappropriate use of the system. We conclude that this nailing system is clinically effective and that distal locking can be performed easily, without exposure to radiation.     

Delayed union of fibular fractures accompanying fractures of the tibial shaft

Among 440 adult patients with tibial shaft fracture and accompanying fibular fracture there were eight cases with radiographically ununited fibulae 4 months after the injury, each with uneventful tibial union. Fractures with severe soft-tissue injuries were excluded from this study. In 293 patients the treatment method of the tibial fracture was conservative, comprising closed reduction and immobilization by long plaster cast. In 147 patients it was intramedullary Küntscher nailing, and all the eight cases with delayed fibular union occurred among these, the frequency being 5.4%. The typical accompanying fibular fracture to develop delayed union was a comminuted one in the middle or distal third of the bone. At a followup examination 5 to 8 years after the original injury four of the eight fractures were found to have ultimately spontaneously united, while three showed a radiographically indisputable nonunion. One patient had undergone segmental fibular ostectomy because of persistent local pain but in the remaining patients the subjective symptoms were negligible. The occurrence of delayed fibular union in association with rigid intramedullary nailing of concomitant tibial shaft fracture is a phenomenon of which trauma surgeons should be aware even if the natural course of the condition often seems to be benign.     

Safe surgical technique: intramedullary nail fixation of tibial shaft fractures

Statically locked, reamed intramedullary nailing remains the standard treatment for displaced tibial shaft fractures. Establishing an appropriate starting point is a crucial part of the surgical procedure. Recently, suprapatellar nailing in the semi-extended position has been suggested as a safe and effective surgical technique. Numerous reduction techiques are available to achieve an anatomic fracture alignment and the treating surgeon should be familiar with these maneuvers. Open reduction techniques should be considered if anatomic fracture alignment cannot be achieved by closed means. Favorable union rates above 90 % can be achieved by both reamed and unreamed intramedullary nailing. Despite favorable union rates, patients continue to have functional long-term impairments. In particular, anterior knee pain remains a common complaint following intramedullary tibial nailing. Malrotation remains a commonly reported complication after tibial nailing. The effect of postoperative tibial malalignment on the clinical and radiographic outcome requires further investigation.     

Exchange nailing for failure of initially rodded tibial shaft fractures

This retrospective study evaluated 32 patients who underwent exchange nailing for initially rodded nonunited tibial shaft fractures during a 5-year period. High-energy trauma accounted for 22 fractures; 19 fractures were open. An unreamed nail was initially used to stabilize all but 2 fractures. Implant failure occurred in 31% of fractures, mostly in distal-third fractures, with a failure rate of 34%. Average time from injury to exchange nailing was 36 weeks (range: 6-148 weeks) and consisted of closed reamed nailing and fibulectomy in 27 cases. Healing occurred an average of 20 weeks (range: 6-47 weeks) after postexchange nailing in 27 (84%) fractures. Four (12.5%) fractures healed after additional procedures. There was 1 persistent nonunion. Factors leading to delay in union time included comminution, healed fibula, and proximal location. Multiple regression analysis using survival data at P<.05 showed a significant correlation between fracture configuration and fixation method (locked, dynamic, and unlocked) on time to union. Exchange nailing with closed reaming and fibulectomy is a viable option for treating failures of primarily nailed tibial fractures. Increased stability and stimulation of arrested bone healing may account for the good outcome. The advantages of repeat reamed nailings should be weighed against the possible adverse effect of reaming on bone vascularity.     

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。     

Provisional plating of Type III open tibia fractures prior to intramedullary nailing

Intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures is the preferred treatment of most displaced, unstable tibial shaft fractures. In open tibia fractures, direct exposure of the fracture segments for irrigation and debridement is required prior to fracture stabilization. We propose a method of provisional stabilization using commonly available implants placed through the associated traumatic open wound prior to intramedullary nailing. This technique, particularly helpful to surgeons operating with limited assistance, employs a temporarily applied 3.5-mm dynamic compression plate or limited contact dynamic compression plate implant secured with unicortical screws, allowing reaming and intramedullary nailing of a reduced, stabilized tibia fracture.     

Management of infected tibial intramedullary nailing using an organized treatment protocol

Twenty cases of osteomyelitis following intramedullary nailing of the tibial shaft fracture were managed with a prospective treatment protocol comprising intramedullary reaming debridement, antibiotic-bead depot, external skeletal fixation, microvascular muscle flap and early cancellous bone grafting. The follow-up period ranged from 25 to 48 months (average, 34.3 months). Pseudomonas aeruginosa (37.5%) and staphylococcus aureus (20.8%) were the organisms most commonly involved. There were 8 united and 12 ununited fractures after reaming debridement surgery. Nineteen infections were initially arrested by one debridement. One infection was arrested by two sequential debridements. All 12 ununited fractures were stabilized by Hoffmann unilateral external fixation until the fracture healed. The time spent in external fixation ranged from 3 to 7 months (average, 5.2 months). Early cancellous bone grafting was successfully accomplished for 9 ununited fractures with major debridement bone loss. The average union time of the 9 fractures with bone grafting was 7.2 months (range, from 6 to 8 months). We believe that this treatment protocol gives a predictable and rapid recovery. The complications were infection recurrence in two cases at the old tibial shaft fracture sites, minor pin tract infection of Hoffmann external fixators in two cases, and stiffness in two ankles and one knee.     

Flexible medullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures

Fifty-two tibial shaft fractures in 50 patients were treated with flexible medullary nails (Ender type). In 32 cases the fracture was closed and in the remaining 28 cases the fracture was open. Forty-eight of the 52 fractures united in an average time of 16.8 weeks and there were no cases of deep infection or osteomyelitis. Nonunion in four patients required a secondary procedure to obtain union. Flexible medullary nailing is an excellent method for fixation of tibial shaft fractures because it combines the benefits of closed nailing and functional bracing while minimizing the disadvantages of each. Three-point fixation within the medullary canal maintains length alignment and avoids rotational problems. Nailing is done by closed methods without reaming. The technique allows early weight-bearing in a patellar tendon bearing cast or functional brace. Dynamic controlled motion at the fracture site leads to early callus formation which is biomechanically and biologically favorable. The procedure is relatively easy to perform, short in duration, and requires little specialized equipment. Flexible medullary nailing is an alternative treatment modality for selected open and closed displaced tibial shaft fractures.     

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures in children

Most pediatric tibia shaft fractures are amenable to nonoperative treatment with satisfying results, yet surgical stabilization is necessary in certain cases. The purpose of our study was to determine the effectiveness and the complications associated with elastic stable intramedullary nailing in severe pediatric tibial fractures. We retrospectively reviewed 24 tibia shaft fractures in 24 patients that were treated operatively by elastic stable intramedullary nailing between 1997 and 2005 at our institution. Extensive review of all charts and radiographic data was completed at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. There were 8 closed and 16 open fractures. The average union time for all tibia fractures was 20.4 weeks. The average union time for closed and open fractures was 21.5 and 20.2 weeks, respectively. Complications include 2 (8%) neurovascular, 2 (8%) infections, 2 (8%) malunions, and 1 (4%) leg-length discrepancy. Although complications do exist, elastic stable intramedullary nailing of pediatric tibia shaft fractures using Nancy nails is an effective treatment option.     

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.     

Primary rigid intramedullary nailing for fractures of the tibia: current concepts and technique

Intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures is the preferred treatment of many tibial shaft fractures—displaced and undisplaced, open and closed, simple and multi-fragmentary. In this paper we address several important issues relating to the concepts of the procedure and review the literature available: reaming of the intramedullary cavity; the problems of achieving stability with metaphyseal fractures; achieving fracture reduction; the issue of the ideal entry point; the complications that can occur; and the timing of surgery.     

交锁髓内钉治疗开放性胫腓骨骨折并发症的原因分析及防治

[目的] 观察交锁髓内钉治疗开放性胫腓骨骨折的并发症的原因及防治措施。[方法]1999年1月～2004年12月用交锁髓内钉治疗开放性胫腓骨骨折120例。男76例，女44例；Gustilo Ⅰ型67例，Ⅱ型47例，Ⅲa型6例；左侧39例，右侧81例；年龄15～78岁，平均34．5岁；Gustilo Ⅰ，Ⅱ型均采用扩髓及静力型固定，Ⅲa型6例均未扩髓。[结果] 120例均得到随访，平均30个月（2个月～5年）。愈合时间12～56周，平均27．4周。术中并发症有髓内钉开口错误3例，术中再骨折4例，小腿软组织损伤4例，锁钉误穿7例，大隐静脉和腓总神经损伤各1例；术后并发症主要有感染8例，膝关节疼痛3例，锁钉断裂4例：主钉断裂1例，骨折迟缓愈合12例，肢体短缩和膝关节内翻各1例。疗效根据Johner-Wruhs标准进行评分，优102例，良16例，差2例，优良率98.3％。[结论] 交锁髓内钉治疗胫腓骨开放性骨折存在一定的并发症，在临床使用中必须引起高度重视；Gustilo Ⅱ以上骨折以不扩髓为宜。     

Comparison of functional bracing and locked intramedullary nailing in the treatment of displaced tibial shaft fractures.

Thirty-five displaced tibial shaft fractures, treated with functional bracing were compared with 43 similar fractures, treated with locked intramedullary nailing. There were 22 excellent/good results in the brace group and 38 in the nail group. There was one infection in the brace group and three in the nailed group. There were five delayed unions and two nonunions in the brace group and one delayed union in the nail group. The functional results in the nailed group were better than the braced group but locked intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures require special resources and training. Locked intramedullary nailing fullfils all the functional criteria for acceptable fracture care.     

钢板结合髓内钉治疗胫骨单髁伴同侧胫骨干中、远段骨折

 目的 探讨钢板结合髓内钉治疗同侧胫骨平台单髁伴胫骨干中、远段骨折的可行性和临床疗效。方法 2003年 5月至 2008年11月,钢板结合髓内钉固定治疗胫骨平台单髁伴同侧胫骨干骨折21例,男15 例,女6 例;年龄20～55岁,平均34岁。按Schatzer分类,Ⅰ型4例、Ⅱ型11例、Ⅲ型6例。胫骨干骨折按部位分型,胫骨干中段骨折13例、中下1∕3骨折8例。复位后,先钢板固定胫骨平台再髓内钉固定胫骨干19例,先髓内钉固定胫骨干再钢板固定胫骨平台2例。结果 所有病均例获得随访,随访时间0.9～4年,平均2.2年。所有患者均获骨性愈合,胫骨平台平均愈合时间为12周;胫骨干骨折平均愈合时间为29周,3例患者胫骨干骨折延迟愈合,拆除交锁钉使之动力化后愈合。1例胫骨平台未能解剖复位导致骨折畸形愈合。根据HSS膝关节评分标准[2],优17例(80.95%)、良3例(14.29%)、中1例(4.76%)。结论 注意一些技术要点,应用两种熟悉的手术技巧,钢板结合髓内钉能够成功治疗胫骨平台单髁伴同侧胫骨干骨折。     

Open intramedullary nailing and bone-grafting for non-union of tibial diaphyseal fracture

Twenty consecutive patients who had non-union of twenty-two fractures (two of the patients had a segmental fracture) of the tibia underwent open reduction, débridement, and intramedullary nailing that was supplemented by bone-grafting with either autogenous cancellous iliac bone or cortical reamings of bone from the intramedullary canal. Eighteen patients had significant deformity associated with the tibial fracture. All but three patients had postoperative splinting for two to four weeks, followed by walking without a brace; the three patients who did not have postoperative splinting were more than sixty-five years old. All of the fractures went on to union. Two patients had a minor complication that did not affect the final result. Incorporation of callus across the site of non-union occurred at a rapid rate. Anatomical alignment of the tibial shaft was obtained in nineteen of the twenty patients.     

Infection after reamed intramedullary nailing of the tibia: a case series review

OBJECTIVE: We reviewed those patients who developed a postoperative infection after reamed intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures to investigate the possible causes of infection, its effect on union time, and the requirement for reconstructive surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective review of patients who developed deep infection after reamed tibial nailing during a 15-year period. SETTING: University Level II Trauma Center. PATIENTS: Thirty-five with tibial diaphyseal fractures. INTERVENTION: All patients were treated with reamed intramedullary nailing. OUTCOME MEASURES: Union, union time, compartment syndrome, requirement for reconstructive procedures, and development of deep infection. RESULTS: In the closed-fracture group, 43.8% of patients were considered to have developed infection because of inappropriate fasciotomy closure, exchange nailing, and thermal necrosis. In the open-fracture group, 62.5% were considered to have developed infection attributable to late complications of plastic surgery. The most significant problem was marginal necrosis after flap cover. CONCLUSIONS: A number of deep infections after reamed intramedullary tibial nailing are avoidable. Particular attention must be paid to correct reaming, exchange nailing, and fasciotomy closure in closed fractures. In open fractures, marginal flap necrosis should be actively treated and not left to granulate.     

Cigarette smoking and open tibial fractures

Complication rates were compared in 140 smoking and 133 non-smoking patients with open tibial fractures. Both the groups were evenly matched demographically and in terms of primary fracture treatment. Flap failure complicated 7 (20%) patients in the smoking group and 4 (14%) in the non-smoking group. The mean time to union was 32 weeks for smokers and 28 weeks for non-smokers (P<0.05). Bone grafting to stimulate union was required in 36 (26%) smoking patients compared with 24 (18%) non-smoking patients. In patients treated by intramedullary nailing exchange, nailing to achieve union was carried out in 24 (38%) smoking cases compared with 13 (26%) of non-smoking cases. Smoking is associated with an increased risk of complications in patients with open tibial fractures. There is an increased rate of flap failure, delayed union and non-union. We recommend patients with open tibial fractures should be advised to stop smoking to minimise these complications.     

Successful use of reaming and intramedullary nailing of the tibia

The records and radiographs of 87 patients with 88 fractures of the tibial diaphysis who underwent intramedullary reaming and nailing were retrospectively reviewed. The mean patient age was 37 years. Seventy fractures were closed, and 18 were open. The indications for nailing were failures of closed treatment (n = 48), nonunions (n = 24), multiple injuries (n = 14), and fixation of osteotomy (n = 2). Seventy-six patients with 77 nails who were followed for an average of 26.2 months were studied. For acute fractures, the average time to complete clinical and radiographic union was 5.3 months. For established nonunions, the average healing time was 9 months. The only fractures that failed to unit were nonunions developing from previously open Type III injuries. Angular deformities greater than 5 degrees did not occur. Significant tibial shortening occurred in only one fracture. Decreased motion in the ankle or knee was present in six patients. Major complications as a result of tibial nailing occurred in three patients: two deep infections and one patellar tendon rupture. Minor complications included 10 patients with pain at the nail insertion site necessitating removal in four patients, three patients with transient sensory peroneal nerve dysesthesias, and one patient with a superficial wound infection that cleared with local care. Nine patients required reoperation. Intramedullary reaming and nailing of the tibia can be used advantageously in the treatment of difficult fractures of the tibial shaft and their sequelae. Attention to the technical details of nail insertion will minimize the most frequent complications.