Functional Outcome and Complications in Fracture Tibia Operated with Intramedullary Interlocking Nail: A Prospective Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Treatment of open tibia fracture is controversial. Complication like infection, re-operation, and non- union are more 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. It is essential 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 intramedullary nail, and to study the functional outcome of the surgical procedure in a set up of a tertiary health care centre. Objectives: Study of functional outcome and complications in closed and grade I open tibia fracture operated with intramedullary interlocking nail in a tertiary health care centre. Material and Methods: Sixty patients admitted to hospital from May 2015 to December 2017 with diagnosis of closed or grade-1 open tibia shaft fracture and aged more than 18 years, were included in the study. After initial evaluation and investigation, they were posted for surgery. Closed reduction and fixation with intramedullary nailing was 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 this study, 90% patients had excellent, 5% good and 1.67% poor results according to Johner and Wruhs Criteria. Conclusion: Closed and grade-1 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

Keywords

• tibia fracture
• diaphysial fracture
• intramedullary nail
• interlocking nail.