Plate fixation of tibial shaft fractures.

The treatment of tibial shaft fractures is discussed with emphasis given to plate and screw fixation. A review of plate fixation of 65 tibial fractures is presented with average followup of 4.37 years. When reserved for unstable fractures with minor soft tissue disruption, internal fixation by the use of plates and screws resulted in a small incidence of deformity and shortening, with little risk of local complications. Comparison of our incidence of complications with those previously published illustrate that serious complications are mainly a result of the type and severity of the initial trauma. Some technical considerations are briefly discussed. Recommendations are proposed for the treatment of the various types of tibial shaft fractures.