The role of closed reduction in tibial shaft fractures

Although several methods of treating difficult tibial shaft fractures have been introduced in the past few decades, closed reduction remains the cornerstone of treatment. The physician must be able to recognize those tibial fractures suitable for treatment by this method, as opposed to fractures that have the potential to cause problems and would be better handled initially by other means. Properly performed, closed reduction in conjunction with early weight bearing accomplishes the goals of solid bony union, normal function, and a cosmetically acceptable appearance. This nonoperative approach avoids the potential morbidity associated with surgery and has been shown to give excellent results in the hands of a number of different physicians.