J Bone Joint Surg Br
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J Bone Joint Surg Br · Jan 1994
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialTreatment of grade-IIIb open tibial fractures. A prospective randomised comparison of external fixation and non-reamed locked nailing.
Severe open fractures of the tibia have a high incidence of complications and a poor outcome. The most usual method of stabilisation is by external fixation, but the advent of small diameter locking intramedullary nails has introduced a new option. We report the early results of a randomised, prospective study comparing external fixation with non-reamed locked nails in grade-IIIb open tibial fractures. ⋯ It is the treatment preferred by patients and does not require the same high level of patient compliance as external fixation. The only factors against nailing are the longer operating time and the greater need for fluoroscopy. We consider that locked non-reamed nailing is the treatment of choice for grade-IIIb open tibial fractures.