Clinical profile of patients with diaphyseal fractures of femur and tibia attending tertairy care hospital

Abstract

Earlier nails were solid or hollow cylindrical columns of wood, ivory or metal that were simply introduced into the medullary cavity, thus providing the most elementary form of internal splintage. These implants however were highly reactive and accompanied with the poor understanding and implementation of sterilization procedures, led to a very high rate of infection and non-union. Patients were evaluated clinically for fitness for anesthesia and surgery. Relevant investigations were done. Patients of diaphyseal fractures of femur and tibia attending the emergency and outpatient department of Medical College Hospital, were selected for the study. Patients with Gustillo's grade 3 compound fractures, already infected fractures, sclerotic disease of bone with inadequate marrow cavity, periarticular fractures, patients below 8 years of age, patients with pre existing non functional limbs due to pre-existing pathology, polytrauma patients, and patients medically unfit for surgery / anaesthesia were not included in the study. All included patients underwent open or closed interlocking nailing procedure.