The role of Ender rodding in tibial fractures with an intact fibula.
Thirty-three patients with tibia fractures and intact fibula were studied to determine the efficacy of Ender rod fixation in preventing a varus deformity of the tibia. Twenty-one patients were treated nonoperatively with five (23.8%) developing a significant varus angulation (greater than five degrees). No varus malunions were noted in those patients treated with Ender rods. Those patients treated with Ender rods and early weight-bearing had a shorter average time to union than those treated nonoperatively. We therefore feel that Ender rod fixation is a viable treatment modality in tibia fractures with an intact fibula. In these fractures the use of Ender rods helps prevent significant varus malunion and allows early weight-bearing, thus permitting early mobilization of the traumatized patient.
Levy
A S
AS
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington Hospital Center Washington, DC.
Levitt
L E
LE
Gunther
S F
SF
Wetzler
M J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001858:Bone Nails; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing