Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

Background: Tibial shaft fractures are among the commonest encountered by an orthopaedic practitioner particularly due to Road Traffic Accidents (RTA), owing to the tibia's subcutaneous position. Casting, bracing, plate fixation, and external fixations are some of the different treatment methods. However, these may be associated with a range of complications such as a long period of immobilization, stiffness of joints, malunion, and other complications. Closed intramedullary interlocking nailing is one of the popular methods as it allows mechanical stability with the maintenance of biological conditions for healing and facilitates early mobilization with few complications.

Aim: Clinical and radiological outcomes of closed interlocking intramedullary nailing in management of close tibial shaft fractures.

Methods:At the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, Dhaka, 30 patients with post-traumatic tibial shaft fracture were treated by intramedullary interlocking nailing from July 2023 to June 2024. The patients were followed up with radiographs at regular intervals regarding fracture healing. Data analyses were done by using SPSS and Microsoft Excel.

Result:The mean age was 36.73 years with a standard deviation of 13.71. Of the patients, 86.7% were male while the rest were female. Motor vehicle accident injury accounted for 46.7%. In the follow-up clinical and radiological assessment, excellent outcomes were recorded in 76.7% of the patients, good in 10%, fair in 6.7%, and poor in 6.7%.Complications were few; minor infection or pain in two patients (6.7%).

Conclusion: Intramedullary interlocking nail for the tibial shaft fractures is an excellent treatment modality that ensures early union, low complication rates, and high patient mobility. It is the best option for tibial diaphyseal fractures, providing the highest rate of union with least morbidity.