[External fixation of the tibial with primary full weightbearing]

The external fixation of open fractures of the tibia has many advantages. Nevertheless by many surgeons it is used only as a temporary emergency fixation. There are two main problems to be solved: delayed fracture healing and pin-track infections. It is widely known that physiological weight-bearing leads to a better fracture healing. Weight-bearing needs stability. For transverse and even short oblique fractures of the tibia correct reduction and a good external fixation gives enough stability to stand on the leg completely. 27 patients with such fractures have been externally fixated during the last 5 years. With immediate weight-bearing the healing time was only 12 weeks on an average.