title: [Unlocked using of interlocked intramedullary nails in tibial shaft fractures].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to investigate unlocked using of locked intramedullary nails in tibial shaft fractures and to compare the results to those of locked nails.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between December 2006 and July 2011, medical records of a total of 30 patients who underwent locked (n=15) or unlocked intramedullary nails (n=15) due to tibial shaft fracture in our clinic were retrospectively analyzed. Gender distribution, mean age, injury mechanism, location and morphology of the fracture, type of open fracture and time of discharged from hospital were similar in both groups. Radiological and functional evaluation was carried out according to Johner-Wruhs criteria.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Excellent and good functional results were obtained in unlocked group of all patients, while there were 11 excellent and good, four fair and poor results in locked group. Dynamization was performed on four patients in this group. It was similar in terms of union between the groups. There was no statistically significant difference in functional results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We concluded that unlocked nailing would be taken place in practice of traumatologic surgery at appropriate cases, although primary treatment method is locked intramedullary nailing in tibial shaft fractures.
authors: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Ödemiş State Hospital, 35750 Ödemiş, İzmir, Turkey. cssaruhan@yahoo.com
authors: Cavit Sertaç
authors: CS
authors: Saruhan
authors: Ruhi
authors: R
authors: Algün
authors: Burhanettin
authors: B
authors: Barış
authors: Kıvanç
authors: K
authors: Budak
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001858:Bone Nails; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome