Outcome of Unreamed Interlocking Nail in Open Fractures of Tibia

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the outcome of unreamed interlocking nail in open fractures of tibia in our setup. sixty cases of open tibial diaphyseal fractures were treated with unreamed intramedullary interlocking nail. The cases were followed up for a period of nine months and data regarding, infection, union, delayed union and nonunion was recorded. In our study union occurred in 50 (83.3%) patients within 5 months, delayed union in 9 (15 %) patients and nonunion in 1 (1.7%) patient after course of follow-up. Infection was observed in 8 (13.3%) cases while 52 (86.7%) cases did not show any sign of infection. Because of the high union rate and low infection rate, we consider unreamed interlocking nailing of tibial fractures as the best mode of treatment for open diaphyseal tibial fractures.