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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Review

Safe surgical technique: intramedullary nail fixation of tibial shaft fractures

Authors: Boris A. Zelle, Guilherme Boni

Published in: Patient Safety in Surgery | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Statically locked, reamed intramedullary nailing remains the standard treatment for displaced tibial shaft fractures. Establishing an appropriate starting point is a crucial part of the surgical procedure. Recently, suprapatellar nailing in the semi-extended position has been suggested as a safe and effective surgical technique. Numerous reduction techiques are available to achieve an anatomic fracture alignment and the treating surgeon should be familiar with these maneuvers. Open reduction techniques should be considered if anatomic fracture alignment cannot be achieved by closed means. Favorable union rates above 90 % can be achieved by both reamed and unreamed intramedullary nailing. Despite favorable union rates, patients continue to have functional long-term impairments. In particular, anterior knee pain remains a common complaint following intramedullary tibial nailing. Malrotation remains a commonly reported complication after tibial nailing. The effect of postoperative tibial malalignment on the clinical and radiographic outcome requires further investigation.

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Title: Safe surgical technique: intramedullary nail fixation of tibial shaft fractures
Authors: Boris A. Zelle
Guilherme Boni
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Patient Safety in Surgery / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1754-9493
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13037-015-0086-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Safe surgical technique: intramedullary nail fixation of tibial shaft fractures

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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