Interlocking intramedullary nailing in distal tibial fractures

This retrospective study examined the results of non-pilon fractures of the distal part of the tibia treated with interlocking intramedullary nailing. Seventy-three patients with equal numbers of fractures treated surgically between 1990 and 1998 were reviewed. Mean patient age was 39.8 years, and f ollow-up averaged 34.2 months. The AO fracture classification system was us ed. Concomitant fractures of the lateral malleolus were fixed. All but thre e fractures achieved union within 4.2 months on average. Satisfactory or ex cellent results were obtained in 86.3% of patients. These results indicate interlocking intramedullary nailing is a reliable method of treatment for t hese fractures and is characterized by high rates of union and a low incide nce of complications.