Operative fixation for complex tibial fractures.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The management of open tibial shaft fractures remains challenging. Intramedullary nailing and external fixation are the most commonly used fixation techniques although the optimal fixation technique remains unresolved. In this article the outcomes of these two surgical techniques are compared. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted through MEDLINE(®) using Ovid(®) and MeSH (Medical Subject Heading) terms for articles published in the English literature between 1999 and 2009. The outcome measures compared were time to fracture union, infection rates and complications. RESULTS: Forty-one studies were identified, of which only three met the inclusion criteria. The average time to union was variable. Delayed union and non-union appeared to be more prevalent in the external fixator group although this was not statistically significant. Both techniques were associated with secondary procedures as well as infection. CONCLUSIONS: The current literature indicates little evidence to suggest the superiority of one fixation technique over another for open tibial fractures.