COMPRESSION PLATING OF TIBIAL FRACTURES FOLLOWING PRIMARY EXTERNAL FIXATION

During the time period from May 1990 to December 1992, a total of 75 t ibia fractures were treated in the Department of Traumatology at the U niversity of Bonn. Thirtyeight patients with 40 tibial fractures were managed according to a regimen including primary stabilization, usuall y using external fixation, soft tissue reconstruction and delayed open reduction and internal fixation using an AO compression plate. The ma jority of the patients had been involved in motor vehicle accidents, l eading to multiple injuries in 24 instances. An open fracture was seen 18 times. The 20% complication rate is comparable to the reports foll owing intramedullary stabilization. Only one infection, following a gr ade 2 open fracture, was seen after the definitive stabilization. Bony union was achieved after 15.7 weeks. In light of the complications as sociated with intramedullary nailing, such as fat or air embolism, het erotopic ossification and non- or malunions, use of the tibial plate d oes not offer just logistic advantages, but is a viable alternative fo r delayed stabilization of tibial fractures. No benefits in any form h ave been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article. No funds were r eceived in support of this study.