[Tibial shaft fracture. Forms of therapy and their complications]

The rate of complications in treatment of lower leg fractures has continued to be high, which calls for critical appraisal of possible therapeutic approaches. The effectiveness of both conservative and surgical treatment has been shown by a prospective study which covers a period from 1984 to 1988. An analysis of 166 cases proved helpful in providing guidelines for therapy of closed and open lower leg fractures. Conditions and prerequisites are expounded for the use of various surgical techniques, and hints are given on how to reduce complications.