Comparison of flexible intramedullary nailing with external fixation in compound tibial shaft fractures

Author(s): Dr. Pawan Kumar, Dr. Vidya Sagar, Dr. Deepak Kumar, Dr. Ashutosh Kumar and Dr. Santosh Kumar

Abstract: Aim: This study compared the results of flexible intramedullary nailingusing Ender nails (EN) with those of external fixation (EF) in compound tibial shaft fractures.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight patient with tibial shaft fractures were evaluated in thestudy. The patient ages ranged from12 to 40 years, and the average period of follow-up was 24 months. Fifteen patients underwent flexible intramedullary nailing using Ender nails and thirteen patients underwent external fixation. The outcomes were assessed based on the clinical and radiology findings.
Result: Bone union was achieved in all cases, and no patients sustained a complication that was expected to cause disability. For EN union occurred at an average of 12 weeks (10-14 weeks). For EF, union was observed at an average of 16 weeks (14-18 weeks). EN group, one patient suffered proximal pin migration. In the EF group, three patients had a pin site infection and loosening.
Conclusion: The EN and EF groups showed similar results at the last follow up. However, in the EF group, refracture, pin site infection, and angular deformity were some of the possible complications during the healing process. EN is recommended for grade I & II tibia fractures, not require secondary operative treatment, stable as it is intramedullary implant.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/ortho.2018.v4.i2b.17