Logo of The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery (Br)
Quick search:        
          Advanced Search
Guest Access | Sign In
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow My Folders
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Nicoll, E. A.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Nicoll, E. A.

FRACTURES OF THE TIBIAL SHAFT

E. A. Nicoll

1. A series of 705 fractures of the tibia is reviewed, 674 of which were treated conservatively.

2. The factors most conducive to delayed or non-union are initial displacement, comminution, associated soft-tissue wound and infection. The extent to which these are combined in any fracture determines its "personality" and its inherent propensity for union.

3. Eight fracture types are differentiated based on the above "personality rating." The incidence of delayed union or non-union varies from 9 per cent in the most favourable type to 39 per cent in the least favourable. Infection raises the incidence to 60 per cent. Comparative statistics which fail to recognise these differences can be entirely misleading.

4. Continuous traction does not retard union.

5. The results of conservative treatment are analysed with regard to union, deformity, stiff joints and contractures and the conclusion is reached that no case has yet been made out for internal fixation as the method of choice in the treatment of this fracture.




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 J Bone Joint Surg BrHome page
G. I. Drosos, M. Bishay, I. A. Karnezis, and A. K. Alegakis
Factors affecting fracture healing after intramedullary nailing of the tibial diaphysis for closed and grade I open fractures
J Bone Joint Surg Br, February 1, 2006; 88-B(2): 227 - 231.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


(c) British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery All Rights Reserved
Registered charity no: 209299     Print ISSN: 0301-620X
Hip, Knee, Trauma, Upper limb, Foot & Ankle, Paediatrics, Oncology, Spine, Arthroplasty, General