Functional outcome and complications in closed and grade I open tibia shaft fracture operated with intramedullary interlocking nail

Abstract

Background: Treatment of open tibia fracture is controversial. Complications such as infection, re-operation, non-union and poor consolidation are also relatively common after these fractures. While grade II and III fractures are mostly treated with detriment and external fixator, grade I fractures are a matter of controversy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate factors affecting deep infections and fracture healing of closed and grade I open fracture of the tibial shaft treated with immediate or delayed interlocking IMN, and to study the functional outcome of the same . Methods: 60 Patients admitted to our institute with diagnosis of closed or grade 1 open tibia shaft fracture aged more than 18 years old between May 2016 to December 2016 were included. After initial evaluation and investigation, they were posted for surgery. Closed reduction and fixation with intramedullary nailing were done under spinal anesthesia. After discharge patients were followed up at an interval of 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months and were evaluated using Johner and Wruhs criteria. Results: In our study, 91.67% patients have got excellent, 3.33% good and 1.67% poor results according to Johner and Wruhs criteria . Conclusions: Closed and grade one open fractures of the tibia shaft, managed with interlocking intramedullary nailing involves minimal surgical trauma and negligible blood loss while provides the advantages of early ambulation, lower rate of infection, delayed union, non-union and mal-union .