Tibial Shaft Fractures: The Frequency of Local Complications in Tibial Shaft Fractures Treated by Internal Compression Osteosynthesis

Abstract

Ninety-two tibial shaft fractures in 90 patients over the age of 15 were treated by compression osteosynthesis according to the AO method, but using plates and screws of Vitallium®. Fifteen fractures (14 patients) were excluded, because the follow-up period was less than 12 months. The frequency of complications in the remaining 77 fractures, 44 per cent comminuted and 30 per cent open fractures, were: skin necrosis over the osteosynthesis material: 5.2 per cent, osteitis: 1.3 per cent, delayed osseous healing necessitating secondary operation: 2.6 per cent, loosened screw (not requiring secondary operation): 5.2 per cent, loosened screw+ refracture: 1.3 per cent, plate bending: 1.3 per cent, plate fractured: 1.3 per cent, and refracture after removal of the plate (new relevant traumas): 4.8 per cent. In this series there was a markedly high frequency of complications in comminuted fractures with laceration of skin and muscles, whereas an increased tendency for complications to develop in the remaining injury groups was not seen.