Intramedullary nailing in the treatment of aseptic tibial nonunion

Fifty patients suffering from aseptic tibial nonunion underwent reamed intramedullary nailing (I.N.) and were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-six patients were initially treated with external fixation, six with plate and screws, one with a static I.N., and seven with plaster of Paris. Eighteen of the fractures were initially open (A: 5, B: 6, and C: 7 according to the Gustilo classification). In 34 cases a closed procedure was performed, whereas in sixteen, an opening at the nonunion site was unavoidable either to remove metalwork or realign the fragments. Following failed external fixation, secondary I.N. was performed at least 10 days after removal of the device. Bone grafts from the iliac crest were used in three cases, and a fibular osteotomy was performed in 33. Patients were followed up for an average of 2.5 years after nailing, ranging from 10 months to 7 years. A solid union was achieved in all patients within a period of 6 months. One patient developed late infection, which settled after nail removal and one patient developed impending compartment syndrome which was detected on the first post-operative day and was treated with a fasciotomy. Transient peroneal nerve palsy occurred in one patient and this recovered in 3 months, whereas in nine patients a clinically acceptable deformity was noticed. In conclusion, we believe that reamed intramedullary nailing is a highly effective treatment for aseptic tibial nonunions. Early and late complications are rare and bone graft is rarely needed. The method allows early weight bearing even before solid union occurs, short hospitalisation time and early return to work without external support.