Intramedullary interlocking nailing in type II and type III open fractures of tibia – a clinical study

Purpose: Controversies exists between primary nailing and external fixator application as treatment of choice for severely open fractures. This study was conducted to assess the outcome of Intramedullary nailing in compound tibia fracture and evaluate its complication Methods: Between 2006 and 2011 a total of 40 cases of open tibial shaft fractures classified according to Gustillo and Anderson classification, were operated with primary Intramedullary Interlocking nail. There were 25 type II and 15 type III open fractures. Proper wound debridement done with Care taken to give adequate soft tissue coverage for wound. Results: The patients were followed for period of 1636 months and were evaluated according to Katenjians criteria. We had good to excellent results in 67.5% of cases (27cases of total 40 cases). Poor results found in 25% of type II, 33.3%of type IIIA and 40% of type IIIB fracture. Important complication included deep infection and nonunion in 6 cases, limb shortening 5 cases, delayed union 8 cases. Conclusion: primary IL nailing can be used as treatment with minimum complications in open tibia fracture fractures when done with proper soft tissue management and wound care.