| Abstrakt: |
During the time period from May 1990 through October 1992, a total of 70 tibia fractures were treated in the Department of Traumatology of the University of Bonn. 35 patients with 37 tibial fractures were treated according to a regimen including primary stabilization, usually in an external fixateur, soft tissue reconstruction and delayed open reduction and internal fixation using an AO-plate. A majority of the patients were involved in motor vehicle accidents leading to multiple injuries in 22 instances. An open fracture was seen 16 times. The complication rate of 19% is comparable to the reports following intramedullary stabilisation. Only one infection, following a grade 2 open fracture, was seen. Bony union was achieved after 15.7 weeks. Considering the complications associated with nailing such as fat or air embolism, heterotopic ossification and non- or malunions, the use of the tibial plate seems not only to offer logistic advantages but is a viable alternative for the delayed stabilization of tibial fractures. |
