Operative Management of Fractures Shaft Tibia with Closed Intramedullary Interlocking Nail

Tibial diaphyseal fractures are one of the commonest long bone fractures encountered by most of the orthopaedic surgeons. There are many methods of treatment for tibial diaphyseal fractures. But now-a-days closed intramedullary interlocking nailing is emerging as treatment of choice for all closed tibial diaphyseal fractures, most of type Iand type II open fractures in adults. Closed IM IL nailing is a type of indirect fracture fixation, in which fracture unites by indirect healing. There are very less chances of complications like infection, non-union, delayed union, malunion, but more chances of union. We aim to study efficiency of closed intramedullary interlocking nailing in the treatment of tibial diaphyseal fractures. A total of 50 patients with tibial diaphyseal fractures (39 closed fractures, 8 type I open fractures and 3 type II open fractures) were operated with closed intramedullary interlocking nailing.The cases were followed up for an average period of 10-16 months. Excellent results were obtained in 70% of cases. Good results were obtained in 18%, fair results in 8% and poor in 4%. Complications include 10% superficial infection, 4% deep infection, 10% malunion, 12% restriction of ankle and knee movements. Intramedullary interlocking nailing is the reliable, versatile and effective treatment for closed tibial fractures, also in Type I, Type II open tibial fractures. It minimizes the hospital stay and reduces the economic burden and enhances early return to work.