Unlocked using of interlocked intramedullary nails in tibial shaft fractures

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to investigate unlocked using of locked intramedullary nails in tibial shaft fractures and to compare the results to those of locked nails.
Patients and methods: Between December 2006 and July 2011, medical records of a total of 30 patients who underwent locked (n=15) or unlocked intramedullary nails (n=15) due to tibial shaft fracture in our clinic were retrospectively analyzed. Gender distribution, mean age, injury mechanism, location and morphology of the fracture, type of open fracture and time of discharged from hospital were similar in both groups. Radiological and functional evaluation was carried out according to Johner-Wruhs criteria.
Results: Excellent and good functional results were obtained in unlocked group of all patients, while there were 11 excellent and good, four fair and poor results in locked group. Dynamization was performed on four patients in this group. It was similar in terms of union between the groups. There was no statistically significant difference in functional results.
Conclusion: We concluded that unlocked nailing would be taken place in practice of traumatologic surgery at appropriate cases, although primary treatment method is locked intramedullary nailing in tibial shaft fractures.