Abstract
We investigated the clinical and radiological outcomes of 16 patients (male 13, female 3) with tibial shaft fractures that were treated using intramedullary nails between February 2008 and January 2010. The patients ranged in age from 15-75 years with a mean of 44.3 years. According to the AO classification, 3 cases were A1, 3 were A3, 2 were B1, 4 were B2, 1 was B3, 2 were C1 and 1 was C2. There were 5 open fractures. According to Gustiloʼs classification, 3 cases were typeⅠand 2 were typeⅡ. All patients were relieved of pain, and no clinical complications were observed. Bone union had occurred in 15 patients, but there was one case of delayed union which required bone graft five months after intramedullary nail fixation. We believe that reduction of the fracture and a correct surgical technique are important. We recommend that the guide pin should be inserted in the center of the distal fragment across the epiphyseal scar under fluoroscopy.
