Study To compare and assess the clinical results of interlocking nailing in closed fractures of shaft of tibia by reamed and unreamead technique

Abstract

Introduction: The successful use of unreamed nailing in patients with open tibial fractures has led some investigators to recommend this technique for closed fractures as well. Potential advantages of unreamed nailing over the reamed technique include shorter operative time, less blood loss and less disruption of the endosteal blood supply in patients with severe closed soft tissue injuries.

Materials and Methods: This study consists of 34 cases of fracture both bones of leg, tibia treated by internal fixation with interlocking tibia, of which 17 cases are reamed and 17 cases are unreamed from August 2009 to July 2011, and followed upto November 2011. The study was conducted to assess the functional outcome and complications of reamed over unreamed nailing in tibial fractures.

Results and Conclusion: In our study group there are no definitive criteria for using reamed and unreamed procedures, age groups are comparable and both procedures are applied randomly. 2 superficial infections are noted in unreamed cases and one deep infection noted in reamed cases. Knee pain complained in two cases of reamed nailing compared to one case of unreamed nailing. Odema of leg noted in one case of unreamed nailing. Earliest union noted in reamed nailing compared to unreamed.