Treatment of Open Tibial Fractures with Early Biological Internal Fixation

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of our study is to determine the efficiency of early biological internal fixation methods which cause minimal soft tissue damage for the treatment of open tibial fractures. Material and
Method: Thirtyone open tibial fractures of thirtyone cases for which a biological environment which was created by debritement, irrigation and early soft tissue reconstruction were treated by unreamed intramedullary nails as group I and by minimal invaziv plating as group II. There were 19 patients in group I, 12 patients in group II and they were followed for 26 months prospectively.
Results: The results of our twentysix cases were evaluated as excellent and good (%84) according to Johner and Wruhs criteria. Deep infection and pseudoarthrosis occured in our two cases at the same time (%6). Delayed union was seen in our one case (%3). There was no statistical difference between the results of our group I and group II patients.
Conclusion: After creating a biological environment, early biological fixation of open tibial fractures can be recomended for the treatment of open tibial fractures either by unreamed intramedullary nails or by biological plating.