An Innovative Three Stitch Technique in Tibia Interlocking Nailing a Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: More recent advances are about the incision technique for intramedullary interlocking (IMIL) nailing, a 3 cm stab incision is sufficient for the procedure of IMIL nailing as compared to commonly used suprapatellar incision of 5–7 cm with splitting of patellar tendon which might result in chronic knee pain restricted range of movement, risk of infection, longer duration of postoperative rehabilitation, and poor wound healing. Objective: A retrospective study and analysis of three stitch technique in posttraumatic shaft tibia fractures to assess the range of motion. Background: Tibial shaft fractures have peaked in incidence in the past decade with sky rocketing amount of road traffic accidents. With the mainstay of making any patient of such traumatic incident being early mobilisation, IMIL nailing for tibia remains one of the finest treatment modalities among plating or external fixator applications. With the increased demands in the field of cosmetology and minimally invasive scar techniques, the 3-stitch technique would have a major impact not only on the early healing of surgical scar but also reduced chances of acquired infections along with advancements in weight-bearing exercises. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of midshaft tibia fractures who were treated with IMIL nailing with 3-stitch technique with a sample size of post op 100 patients. A study was held at a tertiary care hospital and research center. Results: Sample size of postoperative 100 patients out of which 76 showed conclusive results and 24 were lost at follow-up. Conclusion: Good to excellent outcome with a small healed scar was observed in patients who underwent 3-stitch technique IMIL nailing for shaft tibia fractures.

Keywords

• intramedullary nailing; minimally invasive; three stitch technique; tibia interlocking nail; tibia shaft fracture