Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Orthopedic Surgery

From July 2018 to March 2019, a prospective study was conducted to compare the results of using small diameter interlocking intramedullary nails versus large diameter interlocking intramedullary nails for treatment of simple tibia factures (transverse and short oblique) regarding incidence of delayed union, non-union, implant failure and time to union. The study included a total of 30 patients with simple tibial fracture who met the inclusion criteria. All patients were preoperatively evaluated clinically and radiologically. They were then allocated randomly into one of 2 groups; Group (A) patients fixed with small diameter IMN and Group (B) patients fixed with large diameter IMN and followed-up for at least 6 months. Out of 15 patients treated with small IMN, two cases developed delayed union, however, no cases developed non-union or implant failure. Two cases developed surgical site infection responded to antibiotics. Mean operative time and mean time for radiological exposure were significantly lower than the other group. Out of 15 patients treated with large IMN, one case developed delayed union, however no cases developed non-union or implant failure. Two cases developed surgical site infection responded to antibiotics. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups as regards studied complications. In conclusion, we recommend using small IMN in fixation of simple tibial fractures

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