[Indications for and results of interlocking nailing in lower leg fractures]

At the clinic for Traumatology at the University Hospital of Zürich between 1981-1986 53 tibial fractures in 52 patients have been treated with interlocking nails. The system of Grosse and Kempf was utilized. The fractures were produced by a variety of mechanisms of injury, of which 70% were caused by traffic accidents. Associated injuries to other organ systems were sustained by 44% of the patients, overall there were 13% considered to have multiple trauma. 21% of the fractures were open. 21% required stable fixation, 17% were dynamized. The remaining 79% fractures were treated with dynamic nailings. A bridging callus was observed after an average of 6 weeks, and cortical bridging at 18 weeks following nailing. Complications included local infection around the proximal transversal screws in 2 and osteomyelitis in 1 case.