Treatment of the tibia shaft fractures with ender nails

Kim, In Ki; Lee, Dong Chul; Seo, Jae Sung; Ahn, Myun Whan; Kim, Se Dong; Ahn, Jong Chul

Abstract

Fractures of the tibial shaft are the most common among the long bone fractures, and have much difficulty in treatment due to their numerous complications. Thirty patients with fractures of the tibial shaft were treated with Ender nails under the image intensifier at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yeungnam University Hospital from December 1986 to November 1991. The following results were observed. 1. The average age was 37.3 years and the number of male was three times of the female. The most common cause was traffic accident. 2. Twenty cases out of thirty one were closed fracture and the remaining 11 were open. The comminuted and segmental fractures were 18 (57.7%) in number and the most common fracture site was the middle one third (53%). 3. Average interval from injury to operation was 7.6 days and 19 cases showed associated injuries. 4. The mean duration of the bone union was 18.9 weeks and 2 cases showed the delayed union. 5. Twelve complications were noted such as shortening, varus deformity, delayed union, ankle motion limitation, nail irritation, and soft tissue infection.