[Intramedullary nailing of the tibia with the expert tibia nail].

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Biomedical Engineering

Context:

• Lower leg fractures, including tibia and complete lower leg fractures, require effective stabilization for optimal outcomes.
• Restoring anatomical alignment (axis, length, rotation) is crucial for functional recovery.
• Early functional aftercare is essential to maintain joint mobility and prevent complications.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Expert Tibia Nail for stabilizing various types of tibia and lower leg fractures.
• To assess the rates of bony healing, malunion, nonunion, and the need for secondary interventions.
• To determine the suitability of the nail for both closed and open fractures, including complex intra-articular and segmental fractures.

Summary:

• A prospective, multicenter study evaluated 186 tibia fractures treated with the Expert Tibia Nail.
• The overall pseudarthrosis rate was 12.2%, with higher rates in open fractures (18.2%) compared to closed fractures (9.7%).
• Malalignment occurred in 4.3% of shaft fractures, 1.5% of distal fractures, and 13.6% of proximal fractures. Implant-specific bolt breakage was 3.2%.

Impact:

• The Expert Tibia Nail provides sufficient primary stability for functional aftercare in lower leg fractures.
• It facilitates good bony healing in both closed and open fractures, promoting early joint mobility.
• The study highlights the nail's effectiveness while also identifying risks such as pseudarthrosis and malalignment, guiding future treatment strategies.