Reliability of the radiographic union score for tibial fractures
Erman Cekiç1, Emin Alıcı1, Murat Yeşil1
1Dokuz Eylül Univesity, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Izmir, Turkey.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the recently developed Radiographic Union Score for Tibial Fractures (RUST) scoring system and clinical outcomes in tibial fractures.
Methods:
The study included 41 patients with tibia shaft fractures who underwent intramedullary nailing between 2005 and 2010. Mean follow-up period was 26.32 (range: 12 to 48) months. Clinical outcomes were measured using the Karlström-Olerud physical function scale, VAS score and SF-36 physical function and pain scores during follow-up. RUST scores were noted after radiological evaluation.
Results:
RUST scores accurately reflected healing and union of the bone (p<0.05). RUST scoring also showed significant correlation with widely used physical and pain scoring systems (SF-36, VAS and Karlström-Olerud).
Conclusion:
The RUST scoring system appears to be a reliable tool for the evaluation of clinical outcomes in management of tibial fracture.
