Results in the treatment of tibial diaphyseal fractures with expandable intramedullary nails

Abstract

Aim: We investigated the use of expandable intramedullary nails, their efficacy, and short-term results in the treatment of tibia shaft fractures. Material and Method: The study included 22 patients (9 females, 13 males; mean age 33 years; range 21 to 65 years) who were treated with expandable intramedullary nails for the tibia shaft fractures. All patients had tibial fractures, all of which were closed. The mean duration from injury to surgery was 2,5 days (range 12 hours to 5 days). The results were evaluated using the Johner-Wrush and Kalstrom-Olerud criteria. The mean follow-up was 10 months (range 7 to 21). Results: Union was achieved in all the patients. In tibial fractures, the mean operation time was 45 minutes (range 25 to 80 min) and the mean time to union was 10 weeks (range 7 to 21 weeks). Results in 14 patients (63.6 %) were excellent, in 7 patients (31.8 %) good and in 1 patient (4.5 %) moderate according to Johner-Wrush criteria. Results in 17 patients (77.2 %) were excellent, in 5 patients (22.7 %) good according to Kalstrom-Olerud criteria. No complications were seen such as delayed union, early or late infections, compartment syndrome. Discussion: In conclusion, the good results of this study show that the expandable tibial intramedullary nail provides a successful option to classical intramedullary nails.