Radiological outcome of Type II open diaphyseal fractures of Tibia with interlocking intramedullary nailing

Objectives: To determine the fracture healing (callus formation) with the use of interlocking intramedullary nailing in type II open diaphyseal fractures of tibia. Methodology: Forty patients with open type II tibial diaphyseal fracture of tibia were included in this case series study conducted in Orthopaedic Unit-1 of Civil Hospital Karachi from August 15, 2008 to August 14, 2009. All patients underwent fracture stabilization by reamed locking intramedullary nail within three days of injury. The main outcome measure was fracture healing (i.e. adequate callus formation) on X-ray at twenty four weeks. The SPSS version 13 was used to analyze data for descriptive statistics. Results: Majority of the patients (42.5%) were between 18-30 years of age group with mean + SD age was 36.50 (12.89) years. Males were affected more than females with male to female ratio being 4:1. Adequate callus formation was achieved in 35 (87.5%) patients radiographically at the end of six-months. Conclusion: Intramedullary interlocking nail can be safe and effective in management of open type II diaphyseal fracture of tibia as it is associated with satisfactory healing.