[Open diaphyseal tibial fractures in children]

In a collective study of 22 surgical clinics 138 open diaphyseal tibial fractures in children from 0 to 14 years were examined. The incidence of open fractures, in relation to all tibial shaft fractures comes up to 6.9%, one third (2.3%) are second degree and third degree open fractures. 80% of these fractures are caused by traffic accidents. In 33% there exist multiple fragments. In first degree open fractures conservative treatment generally is practiced, while in second and third degree open fractures osteosynthesis often is performed.