Use of reamed locked intramedullary nailing in the treatment of aseptic diaphyseal tibial non-union

Abstract

Background: Tibial fractures have been associated with the highest rates of bone union disturbances for many years. Stabilization of the tibial shaft with a reamed intramedullary nail is now being increasingly recommended as a treatment of choice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of treatment of tibial shaft non-union with reamed intramedullary nails locked distally and proximally.

Material and methods: Thirty-three patients (11 females and 22 males) with tibial shaft non-union were treated by locked intramedullary nailing. There were twelve patients with a biologically active non-union, while in the remaining 21 the non-union was biologically non-active. The diagnosis was based on case history, physical examination and X-ray data. The average non-union time was 26.96. An intramedullary nail was inserted according to the technique recommended by AO/ASIF. Follow-up examinations were performed at six-week intervals until bone union was obtained. The diagnosis of bone union was based on physical examination and X-ray evidence. The functional outcome was assessed according to the Johner-Wruhs scale. Treatment failure was defined as the absence of clinical and radiological signs of bone union 12 months after surgery.

Results: Bone union was achieved in 94% patients following an average time of 37.2 weeks. The functional outcome was classified as good or very good according to the Johner and Wruhs scale in 60% of the patients, while 18% of the patients were diagnosed to have a poor functional outcome. An infection of the non-union site was found in 6 patients, of whom two developed a chronic infection (in one patient bone union was not achieved).

Conclusion: The treatment of an aseptic non-union of the tibial shaft with an intramedullary nail is an effective procedure. This conclusion must be regarded as tentative in view of the small sample size.