External fixation and sequential nailing in the treatment of open diaphyseal fractures of the tibia

Between September 1996 and April 1998 a total of 26 open fractures of the tibia (Gustilo Anderson grade I in 4 cases, grade II in 3, grade IIIA in 8, grade IIIB in 11) were treated by debridement and monoaxial external fixation followed by locked intramedullary nailing after healing of the soft tissues had been observed. Nailing by reamed Grosse Kempf nail was carried out in all of the cases. The mean duration of external fixation was 50 days (with a minimum of 18 days and a maximum of 6 months). Upon removal of the external fixator intramedullary osteosynthesis was performed during the same surgical session in 25 cases. Nailing was carried out 45 days after removal of the external fixator in 1 case. Healing was obtained in all of the patients an average of 6 months after trauma, and 3 and 1/2 months after the second operation. There were two cases of infection, one deep (3.8%) and the other superficial (3.8%). No cases of chronic osteomyelitis were ever observed. Poor consolidation with valgus equal to 10 degrees and 15 degrees was observed in 2 patients. This method of treatment, based on our experience, allows for healing in some open fractures of the tibia in a relatively short amount of time and with an acceptable risk of complications.