TIBIAL FRACTURES - A USEFUL PLASTERING TECHNIQUE

The management of the acute tibial fracture is controversial, since no single method is appropriate in ail circumstances and treatment indic ations often overlap. Given the potential problems in the management o f this often difficult fracture, it is important that the attending cl inician be familiar with both operative and conservative methods of tr eatment. In recent years, operative intervention has become increasing ly popular, particularly the use of the intra-medullary locking nail, but such techniques are not without complications, including delayed u nion, non-union, malunion and infection.(1) The authors strongly belie ve that conservative treatment remains an important option in the trea tment armamentarium. A plastering technique is therefore described whi ch is easy to perform, maintains good reduction and avoids the need fo r skilled assistance, excessive analgesia or an anaesthetic. It can be performed when the patient is initially assessed in the accident depa rtment, and it has a definitive role in the treatment of closed tibial fractures.