[Use of the orthofix intramedullary nail in tibial shaft fractures. A review of 22 cases].
BACKGROUND
Tibial shaft fractures are common since they account for 9% of all fractures. Intramedullary nailing is described in the literature as the gold standard for their treatment and the most recent research emphasizes minimum exposure.


OBJECTIVE
To present the clinical and radiological course of closed, unreamed intramedullary fixation for tibial shaft fractures in a group of patients seen at Medica Sur Hospital.


METHODS
Twenty-two male patients with a diagnosis of tibial shaft fracture were analyzed retrospectively; mean age was 28 years. In all of them the Orthofix nail was inserted through the patellar tendon, with a closed approach and without reaming the medullary cavity.


RESULTS
Twenty patients had closed fractures (90.90%) and 2 patients had open fractures (9.09%). The mean time to starting ambulation with protected weight bearing was two weeks in 18 patients (81.81%); with full weight bearing, six weeks in 13 patients (91%). The mean time to full weight bearing without crutches was 10 weeks in 21 patients (95.45%). Mean radiographic grade III-IV healing time was 16 weeks. Complications were: delayed union in two patients (9.09%), compartmental syndrome, in one patient (4.45%).


CONCLUSIONS
The Orthofix interlocking intramedullary nail placed with a closed approach provides immediate stability due to the proximal and distal locking. Patient rehabilitation is quicker, with total mobility, providing an early stimulation for callus formation and the added benefit of sparing the endosteal blood supply.
García Juárez
José Dolores
JD
Servicio de Ortopedia, Hospital Médica Sur.
Aguilera Zepeda
José Manuel
JM
Bienvenu
Alfonso Tohen
AT
Encalada Díaz
Melchor Iván
MI
Sheldon
Oscar Dáivila
OD
D000059:Accidents / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*