title: A simple cost effective technique for soft tissue protection during intramedullary nailing of the tibia.
abstract: Intramedullary nailing has revolutionized the management of tibial diaphyseal fractures. However, anterior knee pain remains a common complication. Although knee pain causes are still largely unknown, there is evidence to suggest that adhesions resulting from soft tissue damage may contribute to it. We describe a simple cost-effective technique that utilises a syringe to protect the patellar ligament and Hoffa's fat pad during intramedullary nailing of the tibia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Science, University of Oxford, Oxford Trauma Unit, John Radcliff Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom. josephalsousou@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Alsousou
authors.forename: Steven M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: McDonnell
authors.forename: Jussi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Elo
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D017847:Patellar Ligament; D013594:Syringes; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery*