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Distal tibial fractures and non-unions treated with shortened intramedullary nail

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Abstract

We reviewed 18 patients, 14 with acute fractures and four with non-union of the distal tibia, treated between 1990 and 2001 with a shortened, reamed intramedullary nail. The mean follow-up was 38 (8–144) months. The fractures united at an average of 16 (12–18) weeks and the non-unions at 20 (12–30) weeks. Two patients required nail dynamization. No limb shortening nor material failures were seen. All patients returned to normal daily activities. Although technically demanding, intramedullary nailing for distal tibial fractures and non-unions with a shortened nail represents a safe and reliable method.

Résumé

Nous avons revus 18 malades, 14 avec une fracture récente et quatre avec une pseudarthrose tibial distale, traité entre 1990 et 2001 avec un clou intramédullaire court placé après alésage. Le suivi moyen était de 38 mois (8–144) . Les fractures ont consolidé à une moyenne de 16 (12–18) semaines et les pseudarthroses à 20 (12–30) semaines. Deux malades ont nécessité une dynamisation du clou. Il n'y a pas eu de raccourcissement de membre ni d'ennuis de matériel. Tous les malades ont retrouvé des activités journalières normales. Bien que difficile techniquement, l'enclouage intramédullaire distal avec un clou court représente une méthode sûre et fiable.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedic Department, Patras University Hospital, 26504, Rio-Patras, Greece

    P. Megas, P. Zouboulis, A. X. Papadopoulos, A. Karageorgos & E. Lambiris

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  1. P. Megas
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  2. P. Zouboulis
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  3. A. X. Papadopoulos
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  4. A. Karageorgos
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  5. E. Lambiris
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Correspondence to A. X. Papadopoulos.

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Megas, P., Zouboulis, P., Papadopoulos, A.X. et al. Distal tibial fractures and non-unions treated with shortened intramedullary nail. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 27, 348–351 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-003-0499-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-003-0499-9

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