Surgical management of compound fracture tibia using an unreamed interlocking intramedullary nail

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Tibial fractures are one of the most common long bone fractures with increasing number of motor vehicle accidents. Complications like compartment syndrome, neurovascular injuries, malunion are common. Reaming before insertion of nail disrupts the medullary blood supply. Infection rate with reaming is high because the foreign bodies, dust, etc are pushed deeper into the tissues with reaming. Thus considering all these factors, the unreamed intramedullary nail can be used for the management of compound fractures of tibia. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics, Adichunchangiri Institute of Medical Sciences, B G Nagara, Mandya district after obtaining ethical clearance. This study was conducted on 20 patients involving both male and female. Study was conducted for a period of 18 months from December 2018 to June 2020. Cases were followed up with 4 visits.Results: Compound fractures of the tibia treated by unreamed interlocking intra medullary nail gave excellent results measured by surgical outcome and patient satisfaction. This technique boasts lower rates of complications in comparison with other treatment modalities. Interpretation & Conclusion: Unreamed interlocking nailing is a lucrative option in management of compound and segmental tibial fractures. It promotes early union. Also it has low risk of infection. Early mobilisation can be advocated. It helps early return to activities.