Abstract
Aims: Our objectives is to evaluate the functional outcome of tibial nailing in 29 patients operated at the South Birmingham Trauma unit in the period between 1992–1996. Methods: This is a retrospective study; all patients included had a tibial nail inserted for two or more years. Assessment was made by reviewing the notes, interviewing and examining the patients. A pro-forma was for each patient was collected covering various activities and outcomes. Results: The results showed that the majority of patients demonstrated a compromised activity level, both in their leisure activity and occupation. No statistical difference was observed between reamed and unreamed nails in their functional outcome measurements. Conclusions: Our conclusion that the functional outcome of tibial nailing is not as good as the anatomical restoration would predicts.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
