[Interlocking nailing of compound lower leg fractures]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Lower leg fractures pose significant treatment challenges, particularly those involving soft tissue injury.
• Interlocking nailing has emerged as a key surgical technique for stabilizing long bone fractures.
• Understanding outcomes in complex fracture patterns is crucial for optimizing patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of interlocking nailing for lower leg fractures.
• To assess complication rates, including malalignment and infection, associated with the procedure.
• To determine the suitability of interlocking nailing for various degrees of open fractures and soft tissue injury.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 78 patients with lower leg fractures treated with interlocking nailing.
• Analysis of fracture types, soft tissue injury severity (Tscherne classification), and treatment outcomes.
• Documentation of complications such as malalignment, infection, and healing progression.

Main Results:

• Overall satisfying results were achieved in the majority of patients.
• Nine cases of malalignment occurred, with two requiring revision surgery.
• Two infections were reported, with specific circumstances noted for each.

Conclusions:

• Interlocking nailing is the treatment of choice for compound lower leg fractures with Tscherne grade 1 or 2 open or closed soft tissue injuries.
• The study observed an increasing incidence of complex fracture patterns with severe soft tissue lesions over the past decade.
• This trend contrasts with a general decrease in ski-related injuries, suggesting evolving injury mechanisms.