title: Calcaneal pin traction in the management of unstable tibial fractures.
abstract: Twenty-five patients with unstable tibial shaft fractures who were initially managed with calcaneal pin traction and subsequent plaster of Paris were retrospectively reviewed to determine if this form of management would adversely affect the outcome. There were no pin track problems. Residual subtalar joint stiffness, as measured by a foot-plate goniometer, was noted in only three patients and this could not be attributed directly to this form of fracture management. All fractures went on to union. This method is a reasonable option in the management of unstable tibial fractures.
authors.affiliation: Princess Margaret Hospital, Swindon, England, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Pearce
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001858:Bone Nails; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000601:surgery*; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013380:Subtalar Joint; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014143:Traction / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome