Consequent upon a retrospective audit of all acute tibial nail patients within GRI in 2010, it was agreed, due to variable follow-up, imaging and requirement for secondary intervention, a standardised protocol for management of acutely nailed tibial fractures within GRI was to be established. Subsequently, a Nurse Led Tibial Nail Clinic commenced in July 201. The majority of consultants (11 of 13) devolving follow up of these patients to a protocol based algorithm designed on evidence based principles and consensus expert opinion. Aims were to standardise/improve management of tibial nail patients in terms of patient education, weight bearing, imaging, follow-up intervals and also coordinate secondary intervention via a single consultant with an interest in limb reconstruction/non union. A secondary goal was to achieve measureable outcome data for this subgroup of patients. All patients underwent post operative radiographs prior to discharge, review in clinic at 10 days for wound assessment, 6 weeks for physiotherapy and 12 weeks where standard AP and lateral tibial radiographs were repeated. Patients are discharged at 12 weeks if the radiographs confirm bony healing on three cortices or more and fractures are clinically united. If not, repeat x rays are undertaken at 20 weeks. A parallel consultant led limb reconstruction clinic is available to review patients failing to demonstrate satisfactory progression to union with secondary intervention instigated thereafter as appropriate. Since commencement of the Nurse Led Tibial Nail Clinic, 60 patients have been treated with a tibial nail, 44 managed in the Tibial Nail Clinic. The mean number of radiographs has reduced from 6.4 to 3.1 per patient to discharge. Clinic visits are reduced from 6.4 to 3.9 per patient to discharge. Non compliance is low with 4.6% of patients failing to attend. Secondary interventions have been low (13%), confirming a relatively benign course of healing for most patients treated with an IM nail for acute tibial fractures. There has been one non union, no deep infections, two nail removals and one DVT. A protocol based specialist nurse led clinic is safe for patients, cost effective for the NHS and gives increased opportunity for measuring outcome and improving care in a previously heterogenously managed group of patients

Aim. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the results of Expert tibial nailing for distal tibial fractures. Methods. All patients who had a distal third or distal end fracture of the tibia treated with the Expert tibial nail over a three year period at our institution were included in the study. A total of 44 distal tibial fractures in the same number of patients were treated with the nailing system. One patient died in the immediate post operative period from complications not directly related to the procedure and 3 were lost to follow up leaving a cohort of 40 patients for evaluation. 31 of the fractures were closed while the remaining 9 were open. The average age group of the cohort was 46.8 years with 26 males and 14 females. Results. All 40 patients were followed up to full radiological union of their tibia fractures. The average time to radiological union was 12.5 weeks for the closed fracture group and 15.1 weeks for the open fractures. The difference in time to union between the two groups was not statistically significant. There was infection around a distal locking screw in a closed fracture which settled with screw removal. Three patients in the closed fracture group required dynamisation to hasten union while none required dynamisation in the open fracture group. No bone grafting was performed on any of the patients. One patient had non union of a distal fibula fracture which required plating of as an additional procedure. On follow-up none of the patients reported knee pain or had limitation of ankle movements. Conclusion. The Expert tibial nail is an effective implant for the treatment of both open and closed distal tibial fractures with a low complication rate

Introduction: This study reports a technique and result in the application of an intramedullary tibial nail for patients undergoing an open-wedge proximal tibial osteotomy. Materials and Methods: Fourteen knees of 10 patients with genu varum were treated with proximal tibial osteotomy using an intramedullary tibial nail. The average age at the time of operation was 25 years old. Tibial osteotomy was performed percutaneously through multiple drilling from the average 8.7cm below the joint line and no bone graft was performed in all cases. Concomitant fibular osteotomy was performed in 9 cases. The clinical and radiographic records were reviewed for a minimum 2 years follow up. Result: Union of the osteotomy site was obtained in all knees at a mean of 3.5 months in both anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. The mean postoperative correction angle was 11 degrees in femorotibial angle in frontal plane (P< 0.05). But significant change of tibial posterior slope was not determined (P> 0.05). The osteotomized tibia was lengthened average 6mm in postoperative anteropsterior radiograph. Range of motion of the knee was full at the latest follow up. There was no significant complication such as infection, deep venous thrombosis, nerve palsy, or implant failure. Conclusion: Open-wedge proximal tibial osteotomy using an intramedullary tibial nail for genu varum provides firm initial stability and early rehabilitation. Furthermore, there is no need of bone graft and no significant alteration in tibial slope after surgery. Thus this technique can be a viable option for the proximal tibial osteotomy in the treatment for genu varus

The presence of an unremovable cemented tibial nail presents a unique challenge for limb salvage reconstructions utilizing a rotating hinge knee. All manufacturers’ designs except Link America incorporate a vertically-oriented rotational channel in the proximal tibia to provide the housing for a rotational axis stem. Such channel placement may be impossible in patients with pre-existing tibial hardware that obliterates the proximal tibial intramedullary canal. The Link America design utilizes a superiorly-projecting rotational stem that articulates with a housing located on the rotational yoke component; however it requires an intramedullary tibial stem for component stabilization. Thus all currently available rotating hinge knees require placement of a stem or a stem equivalent into the tibial intramedullary canal. We describe a limb salvage case employing a Link America rotating hinge knee with a tibial component incorporating a custom hollow stem in a patient with an unremovable centralized, straight, cemented tibial nail. This reconstruction was required following an intra-articular fracture of a successfully incorporated massive proximal tibial osteoarticular allograft. The allograft had been implanted seven years previously following resection of a proximal tibia osteosarcoma. This custom device allowed a relatively simple limb salvage reconstruction with good results and only a two day hospital stay. This custom hollow-stemmed device allowed limb salvage in a situation that otherwise would have required either an amputation or resection of a healed tibial allograft that had successfully incorporated, replacing approximately 50% of the length of the tibia shaft. While rarely required, such an implant can allow a relatively simple and straight-forward functional salvage of an extremity in those patients whose only other choices for limb salvage include much more extensive bone resections and complex reconstructions. The potential for subsequent articular level failure should be considered whenever utilizing an osteoarticular allograft. A cemented, retrograde inserted, intramedullary nail can provide reliable internal fixation of such an allograft. If such fixation is selected, a straight intramedullary nail (as in this case) should be utilized, so that the intramedullary device is centered in the proximal tibia. This will allow for future revision to a total knee with a hollow stemmed tibial component should the need arise

The aim is to report a rare technique for correction of intramedullary nail acute angular deformity. Intramedullary tibial nail fixation of diaphyseal tibial fractures is the gold standard treatment allowing early mobilisation whilst preserving the soft tissues around the fracture site. Most commonly, intramedullary nails fail by metal fatigue secondary to non union, without significant deformity of the metalwork. Plastic deformity of the nail can result following new acute trauma, particularly before bone union has occurred. This is a clinical challenge as a reamed intramedullary nail is designed to achieve three point fixation with close anatomical fit, such that removal of a bent nail is technically difficult and also risks further damage to bone and soft tissues. We report a case of a 20 year old patient treated with intramedullary nail fixation of a diaphyseal right tibial fracture who was subsequently assaulted 4 weeks post operatively. This produced an unacceptable deformation of the nail into 25 degrees valgus and procurvatum. To remove the nail, the authors used a previously reported but rare technique of partial (up to 50%) nail division on the convex surface of the apex using Midas Rex High Speed Drill to weaken the nail then manipulation to correct deformity with minimal stress. The technique produced minimal metal debris and allowed simple exchange nail replacement without further complication. The authors believe this is the first reported use of the technique from the United Kingdom

This ongoing prospective RCT compares two surgical approaches with respect to accuracy of guidewire and tibial nail position. 29 patients with tibial fractures were randomised to semi-extended (SE) or standard (S) approaches of tibial nail insertion. Fluoroscopy obtained guidewire and final nail position. The SE approach is more proximal with the guidewire inserted posterior to the patella, theoretically allowing more accurate wire and nail placement. Measurements were taken in both planes of the nail and guidewire to determine deviation from optimum angle of insertion (relative to the long axes of the tibial shaft). 14 and 15 patients were treated with semi-extended and standard approaches respectively. The semi-extended approach results in better guidewire and nail placement in both planes with mean deviation from the optimal angle of insertion as below:. Guidewire AP 4.5° (SE) versus 4.04° (S) Lateral 24.59° (SE) versus 33.36° (S). Nail AP 3.21° (SE) versus 3.68° (S) Lateral 17.73° (SE) versus 24.04° (S). Anterior knee pain may be due to excessive anterior placement of the nail. We assessed anterior placement of the guidewire and nail in the lateral plane. This was expressed as a percentage from the anterior cortex of the tibia. Mean results are below:. Guidewire 9.7% (SE) versus 9.3% (S). Nail 19.5% (SE) versus 16.3% (S). Semi-extended nailing may allow for better guidewire position and as such nail placement. This may reduce anterior knee pain

This prospective Randomised Controlled Trial compared two surgical approaches with respect to accuracy of guidewire and tibial nail position. Sixty-seven patients with tibial fractures were randomised to semi-extended (SE) or standard (S) approaches of nail insertion. Fluoroscopy was performed at guidewire insertion and final nail position. The SE approach is more proximal with the guidewire inserted posterior to the patella, theoretically allowing a better angle for more accurate nail placement. Measurements were taken in the Anteroposterior and lateral planes of both the nail and guidewire to determine deviation from the optimal angle of insertion (relative to the long axes of the tibial shaft). Thirty-nine and twenty-eight patients were treated with semiextended and standard approaches respectively. The semiextended approach resulted in improved nail placement to statistical significance in both planes, with mean deviation from the optimal angle of insertion as below:. Guidewire AP 3.2° (SE) versus 4° (S) Lateral 27.1° (SE) versus 30.2° (S). Nail AP 2.4° (SE) versus 4.2° (S) Lateral 17.9° (SE) versus 21.8° (S). Poor positioning of the guidewire leads to excessive anterior placement of the nail by eccentric reaming. Anterior positioning of the guidewire and nail in the lateral plane was assessed. This was expressed as a percentage from the anterior cortex of the tibia. Guidewire: Lateral 9.7% (SE) versus 9.3% (S). Nail: Lateral 23.4% (SE) 19.3% (S) (p 0.043). Semiextended nailing allows a better angle for guidewire placement and a more optimal final nail position. This facilitates accurate nail placement particularly in difficult proximal third fractures

Intramedullary nailing is the standard fixation method for displaced diaphyseal fractures of the tibia in adults. Anecdotal clinical evidence indicates that current nail designs do not fit optimally for Asian patients. This study aimed to develop a method to quantitatively assess the fitting of two nail designs for Asian tibiae. We used 3D models of two different tibial nail designs (ETN (Expert Tibia Nail) and ETN-Proximal-Bend, Synthes), and 20 CT-based 3D cortex models of Japanese cadaver tibiae. The nail models were positioned inside the medullary cavity of the intact bone models. The anatomical fitting between nail and bone was assessed by the extent of the nail protrusion from the medullary cavity into the cortical bone, which in a real bone would lead to axial malalignments of the main fragments. The fitting was quantified in terms of the total surface area, and the maximal distance of nail protrusion. In all 20 bone models, the total area of the nail protruding from the medullary cavity was smaller for the ETN-Proximal-Bend (average 540 mm2) compared to the ETN (average 1044 mm2). Also, the maximal distance of the nail protruding from the medullary cavity was smaller for the ETN-Proximal-Bend (average 1.2 mm) compared to the ETN (average 2.7 mm). The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05) for both the total surface area and the maximal distance measurements. For all bone models, the nail protrusion occurred on the posterior side in the middle third of the tibia. For 12 bones the protrusion was slightly lateral to the centre of the shaft, for seven bones it was centred, and for one bone it was medial to the shaft. The ETN-Proximal-Bend shows a statistical significantly better intramedullary fit with less cortical protrusion than the original ETN. The expected clinical implications of an improved anatomical nail fit are fewer complications with malreduction and malalignments, a lower likelihood for fracture extension and/or new fracture creation during the nail insertion as well as an easier handling for the nail insertion. By utilising computer graphical methods we were able to conduct a quantitative fit assessment between implanted nail and bone geometry in 3D. In addition to the application in implant design, the developed method could potentially be suitable for pre-operative planning enabling the surgeon to choose the most appropriate nail design

Aims

The aim of this study was to present the first retrieval analysis findings of PRECICE STRYDE intermedullary nails removed from patients, providing useful information in the post-market surveillance of these recently introduced devices.

Aims. The study objective was to prospectively assess clinical outcomes for a pilot cohort of tibial shaft fractures treated with a new tibial nailing system that produces controlled axial interfragmentary micromotion. The hypothesis was that axial micromotion enhances fracture healing compared to static interlocking. Methods. Patients were treated in a single level I trauma centre over a 2.5-year period. Group allocation was not randomized; both the micromotion nail and standard-of-care static locking nails (control group) were commercially available and selected at the discretion of the treating surgeons. Injury risk levels were quantified using the Nonunion Risk Determination (NURD) score. Radiological healing was assessed until 24 weeks or clinical union. Low-dose CT scans were acquired at 12 weeks and virtual mechanical testing was performed to objectively assess structural bone healing. Results. A total of 37 micromotion patients and 46 control patients were evaluated. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of age, sex, the proportion of open fractures, or NURD score. There were no nonunions (0%) in the micromotion group versus five (11%) in the control group. The proportion of fractures united was significantly higher in the micromotion group compared to control at 12 weeks (54% vs 30% united; p = 0.043), 18 weeks (81% vs 59%; p = 0.034), and 24 weeks (97% vs 74%; p = 0.005). Structural bone healing scores as assessed by CT scans tended to be higher with micromotion compared to control and this difference reached significance in patients who had biological comorbidities such as smoking. Conclusion. In this pilot study, micromotion fixation was associated with improved healing compared to standard tibial nailing. Further prospective clinical studies will be needed to assess the strength and generalizability of any potential benefits of micromotion fixation. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(10):825–833

Abstract. Background. With the increasingly accepted method of suprapatellar tibial nailing for tibial shaft fractures, we aimed to compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of infrapatellar (IP) vs suprapatellar (SP) tibial nails. Methods. A retrospective cohort analysis of 58 patients. 34 SP tibial nails over 3 years versus 24 IP tibial nails over a similar time frame. We compared; radiation exposure, patient positioning time (PPT), non-union rate and follow-up time. Knee pain in the SP group was evaluated, utilising the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Knee injury and Osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS). Results. 58 patients with a mean age of 43 years were included. Mean intraoperative radiation dose for SP nails was 61.78cGy (range 11.60 to 156.01cGy) vs 121.09cGy (range 58.01 to 18.03cGy) for IP nails (p < 0.05). Mean PPT for SP nails was 10 minutes vs 18 minutes for IP nails (p < 0.05). All fractures united in the SP group vs one non-union in the IP group. Mean follow-up was 5.5 months vs 11 months in the SP and IP group respectively. Mean KOOS was 7 (range 0 to 22) at 6 months for the SP group. Conclusion. The semi extended position (SP group) leads to reduced radiation exposure because of ease of imaging. All Patients in the SP group showed improved outcomes, with shorter follow-up and fracture union. The KOOS revealed SP nail patients had minimal pain and good knee function. This study establishes a management and PROMs baseline for ongoing evaluation of SP nails

Malalignment is a common complication following tibial surgery, occurring in 10% of fractures. This is associated with prolonged healing time and non-union. It occurs due to inability to maintain a satisfactory reduction. A reduction device, such as the Staffordshire Orthopaedic Reduction Machine (STORM), permits the surgeon to manipulate the fracture and hold it reduced. A retrospective parallel case series was undertaken of all patients undergoing tibial nails over a six-year period from 2014 to 2021. Patient demographics were obtained from medical records. Operative times obtained from the theatre IT system and included the time patient entered theatre and surgical start and finish times for each case. Anteroposterior and lateral long leg post-operative radiographs were reviewed. Angulation was measured in both coronal and sagittal planes, by two separate orthopaedic surgeons. A reduction was classified to be ‘mal-aligned’ if the angle measured was greater than 5 degrees. One tailed unpaired t-test was used to compare alignment in each plane. Bony union was assessed on subsequent radiographs and was determined according to the Radiographic Union Score for Tibial Fractures. 31 patients underwent tibial nail during the time period. 8 patients were lost to follow up and were excluded. Of the remaining 23 patients, the STORM device was utilised in 11. The overall mean alignment was acceptable across all groups at 2.17° in the coronal plane and 2.56° in the saggital plane. Analysing each group individually demonstrated an improved alignment when STORM was utilised: 1.7° (1°–3°) vs 2.54° (0°–5°) for the coronal plane and 1.6° (0°–3°) vs 3.31° (0°–9°) in the saggital plane. This difference was significant in saggital alignment (p=0.03) and showed a positive trend in coronal alignment, although was not significant (p=0.08). The time in theatre was shorter in the control group with a mean of 113 minutes (65 to 219) in comparison to STORM with a mean of 140 minutes (105 to 180), an increased theatre time of 27 minutes (p=0.04). This study demonstrates that STORM can be used in the surgical treatment of tibial fractures resulting in improved fracture alignment with a modest increase in theatre time

Introduction. Bone transport and distraction osteogenesis have been shown to be an effective treatment for significant bone loss in the tibia. However, traditional methods of transport are often associated with high patient morbidity due to the pain and scarring caused by the external frame components transporting the bone segment. Prolonged time in frame is also common as large sections of regenerate need significant time to consolidate before the external fixator can be removed. Cable transport has had a resurgence with the description of the balanced cable transport system. However, this introduced increasingly complex surgery along with the risk of cable weave fracture. This method also requires frame removal and intramedullary nailing, with a modified nail, to be performed in a single sitting, which raised concern regarding potential deep infection. An alternative to this method is our modified cable transport system with early intramedullary nail fixation. Internal cables reduce pain and scarring of the skin during transport and allow for well controlled transport segment alignment. The cable system is facilitated through an endosteal plate that reduces complications and removes the need for a single-stage frame removal and nailing procedure. Instead, the patients can undergo a pin-site holiday before nailing is performed using a standard tibial nail. Early intramedullary nailing once transport is complete reduces overall time in frame and allows full weight bearing as the regenerate consolidates. We present our case series of patients treated with this modified cable transport technique. Methodolgy. Patients were identified through our limb reconstruction database and clinic notes, operative records and radiographs were reviewed. Since 2019, 8 patients (5 male : 3 female) have undergone bone transport via our modified balanced cable transport technique. Average age at time of transport was 39.6 years (range 21–58 years) with all surgeries performed by the senior author. Patients were followed up until radiological union. We recorded the length of bone transport achieved as well as any problems, obstacles or complications encountered during treatment. We evaluated outcomes of full weight bearing and return to function as well as radiological union. Results. 4/8 bone defects were due to severely comminuted open fractures requiring extensive debridement. All other cases had previously undergone fixation of tibial fractures which had failed due to infection, soft tissue defects or mal-reduction. The mean tibial defect treated with bone transport was 41mm (range 37–78mm). From the start of cable transport to removal of external fixator our patients spent an average of 201 days in frame. 7/8 patients underwent a 2-week pin-site holiday and subsequent insertion of intramedullary nail 2 weeks later. One patient had sufficient bony union to not require further internal fixation after frame removal. 10 problems were identified during treatment. These included 4 superficial infections treated with antibiotics alone and 5 issues with hardware, which could be resolved in the outpatient clinic. 1 patient had their rate of transport slowed due to poor skin quality over the site of the regenerate. 4 obstacles resulted in a return to theatre for additional procedures. 1 patient had a re-do corticotomy and 3 had revision of their internal cable transport constructs due to decoupling or screw pull out. 1 patient had residual ankle joint equinus following treatment which required an Achilles tendon lengthening procedure. Another patient underwent treatment for DVT. There were no deep infections identified and no significant limb length discrepancies or deformities. Conclusions. Overall, we have found that our modified balanced cable transport technique has allowed for successful bone transport for significant defects of the tibia. We have learned from the obstacles encountered during this case series to avoid unnecessary return trips to theatre for our future transport patients. The internal cable system allowed all patients to complete their planned transport without excessive pin tract scarring or pain. Early conversion to intramedullary nail allowed for a shorter time in frame with continued full weight bearing as the regenerate consolidated. No metalwork failure or deformity has occurred in relation to docking site union. All patients have made a good return to pre-operative function during their follow-up period with no evidence of late complications such as deep infection

Introduction: We have calculated the amount of antero-posterior diameter expansion by tibial intramedullary nails with distal anterior bend which were designed to prevent proximal posterior cortical fracture by the distal tip of a nail on insertion in the surgical treatment of tibial fracture. Materials and Methods: Russell-Taylor® and AIM™ tibial nails were compared in respect to the amount of anteroposterior diameter expansion by the distal anterior bend of these nails. AIM™ tibial nails have shorter length but larger angle of distal anterior bend than Russell-Taylor® tibial nails. As Fig.1. shows, if we suppose that the length and angle of distal anterior bend of nail be L and _, respectively and the length of distal tapered portion be T, the amount of anteroposterior diameter expansion (E) by the distal anterior bend portion of the nail is [(L-T) _ sin_]. So, intramedullary nail with distal anterior bend passes down the medullary canal with an actual diameter (AD) of the sum of given diameter of the nail (D) and [(L-T) _ sin_] on anteroposterior plane. Results: The amount of anteroposterior diameter expansion of Russell-Taylor® and AIM™ tibial nail was 2.81 mm and 3.26 mm more than the given nail diameter because the length and angle of distal anterior bend of Russell-Taylor® and AIM™ tibial nails were 64 mm, 3° and 47.5 mm, 5°, respectively and about 10 mm of distal tip of both nails are tapered to facilitate passage in the medullary canal. Conclusion: On insertion of tibial nails with distal anterior bend, the anteroposterior diameter expansion effect by these nails should be carefully considered to prevent fracture of the isthmus. We think that the nail about 2 to 3 mm smaller than the final reamer used in diameter had better be used when you try to insert an intramedullary nail bent anteriorly at distal portion such as Russell-Taylor® and AIM™ tibial nails

INTRODUCTION. Intramedullary nail fixation has been used for successful treatment of long bone fracture such as humerus, tibia and femur. We look at the experience of our trauma unit in treating long bone fracture using the AO approved Expert femoral/tibial nail and proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA). We look at the union and complication rates in patients treated with AO approved nailing system for pertrochanteric, femoral and tibial shaft fracture. METHODS. We carried out retrospective case notes review of patients that underwent femoral and tibial nailing during the period of study- October 2007 to August 2009. All patients were treated using the AO approved nailing system. We identified all trauma patients that underwent femoral and tibial nailing through the trauma register. Further information was then obtained by going through medical notes and reviewing all followed-up X-rays stored within the online radiology system. RESULTS. 149 patients, 85 male and 64 female were included into the study. 150 procedures were carried out during period of study as 1 patient underwent conversion of lateral entry femoral nail to PFNA due to refracture. Patients' age ranged from 14-96 with mean of 55. 140 patients had isolated long bone fracture (either femur or tibia) compared to 9 patients with multiple bone fractures. Our unit performed 64 Expert tibial nail, 36 PFNA, 31 Expert lateral entry femoral nail and 19 Expert retrograde femoral nail during period of study. 13 patients treated with intramedullary nail sustained open fracture, 9 of them were compound tibial fracture compared to 4 compound femoral fractures. All patients were followed-up between 2 to 24 months or until death. 9 out of 17 patients that died in this study had diagnosis of tumour. Complication rates were 17% for Expert tibial nail (1 patient with valgus deformity, peroneal nerve palsy and delayed union, 3 with delayed union, 4 with broken locking screw, 2 with wound infection and 1 with abscess over wound site), 4% for lateral/retrograde femoral nail (1 each for pulmonary embolism and broken locking screw) and 4% for PFNA (1 each for delayed union and deep vein thrombosis). The overall complication rates were 10% from this study. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSIONS. We conclude that the AO approved nailing system used for treating pertrochanteric, femoral and tibial fractures were effective with high union rate. The overall complication rates were 10% from this study. Complication rates for tibial nail were as high as 17% compared to 4% for femoral nail or PFNA. The complication rates for PFNA in our study were lower compared to 29% in PFN that was reported in one literature

The aim of our study was to compare the incidence of post-operative anterior knee discomfort after anterograde tibial nailing by suprapatellar and infrapatellar approaches. 95 subjects presenting with a tibial fracture requiring an intramedullary nail were randomised to treatment using a suprapatellar (SP) or infrapatellar (IP) approach. Anterior knee discomfort was assessed at 4 months, 6 months and 1 year post operatively using the Aberdeen Weightbearing Test-Knee (AWT-K), knee specific patient reported outcome measures and the VAS pain score. The AWT-K is an objective measure which uses weight transmitted through the knee when kneeling as a surrogate for anterior knee discomfort. 53 patients were randomised to an SP approach and 42 to an IP approach. AWT-K results showed a greater mean proportion of weight transmitted through the injured leg compared to the uninjured leg when kneeling in the SP group compared to the IP group at all time points at all follow-up visits. This reached significance at 4 months for all time points except 30 seconds. It also reached significance at 6 months at 0 seconds and 1 year at 60 seconds. We conclude that the SP approach for anterograde tibial nailing reduces anterior knee discomfort post operatively compared to the IP approach

Aim: Vascular complications associated with locked intramedullary tibial nailing are rare but always serious. The purpose of this cadaveric study is to define the risk of vascular complications after proximal locking in intramedullary tibial nailing. Material and Methods: Seven fresh cadaver legs were obtained from the University Hospital of loannina. The Grosse & Kempf Tibial Locking Nail was used with anterior-posterior locking. Each procedure was performed according to a standard protocol. The insertion point of the tibial nail was just above the level of the tibial tuberosity. The direction of the proximal locking screw was oblique from caudal to cranial and from lateral to medial. For imaging, both the nail and screws were removed and titanium screws were inserted, thereby allowing good visualization. Results: MRI sections combined with CT and 3D-CT have been used to illustrate the findings, as they clearly demonstrate the relationships between the locking screws and adjacent vascular structures. Analysis of these findings highlighted the surgical risks associated with this type of proximal locking and its direction. Conclusions: Proximal anterior-posterior locking in intramedullary tibial nailing is a hazardous procedure because of the small distance between tibia and vascular structures. The use of a new direction for proximal anterior-posterior locking is recommended

Purpose: Vascular complications associated with locked intramedullary tibial nailing are rare but always serious. The purpose of this cadaveric study is to deþne the risk of vascular complications after proximal locking in intramedullary tibial nailing. Methods: Seven fresh cadaver legs were obtained from the University Hospital of Ioannina. The Grosse & Kempf Tibial Locking Nail was used with anterior-posterior locking. Each procedure was performed according to a standard protocol. The insertion point of the tibial nail was just above the level of the tibial tuberosity. The direction of the proximal locking screw was oblique from caudal to cranial and from lateral to medial. For imaging, both the nail and screws were removed and titanium screws were inserted, thereby allowing good visualization. Results: MRI sections combined with CT and 3D-CT have been used to illustrate the þndings, as they clearly demonstrate the relationships between the locking screws and adjacent vascular structures. Analysis of these þndings highlighted the surgical risks associated with this type of proximal locking and its direction. Conclusions: Proximal anteriorposterior locking in intramedullary tibial nailing is a hazardous procedure because of the small distance between tibia and vascular structures. The use of a new direction for proximal anterior-posterior locking is recommended as an alternative procedure to eliminate the potential for iatrogenic lesions

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

Introduction. A comprehensive met-analysis of anterior knee pain post intramedullary nailing of the tibia was performed by Katsoulis et al in 2006. The principle findings were that 47.4% of patients had anterior knee pain at 2 years post tibial nailing. Worse results were found following a patella tendon splitting approach when compared with a medial para-patellar tendon approach. These conclusions were drawn from 20 studies including 1460 patients. Currently both approaches to the proximal tibia for nailing are used at JCMH Blanchardstown. A retrospective study was performed to compare the results of tendon splitting and tendon sparing approaches to tibial nails and to compare the results of JCMH with those stated in literature. Method. Patients who underwent tibial nailing in 2007 and 2008 were identified using the hospital coding system. Those patients who were treated under the care of Mr Kenny had a medial para-tendinous approach and those treated the care of Mr O'Flanagan and Mr Keogh had a tendon splitting approach. Apart from the approach the nailing technique using the Trigen Knee Nail and the post operative physiotherapy protocol were identical. Follow up included questions regarding knee pain and return to previous function. Specifically: Knee pain that affects daily life, Knee pain on kneeling, Knee pain on ascending or descending stairs, Return to work and Return to sports or active hobbies. Results. 61 patients were treated with intra-medullary nailing between 2007 and 2008 43 were available for follow for the purposes of this study (70 %). 25 had nails inserted via a tendon splitting approach and 18 via a tendon sparing approach. Only 5% of patients had knee pain that affected daily life, 16 % had pain on kneeling, 90% of patients who were previously at work returned to work and 75% of patients who were previously engaged in sports were able to return to these activities. Discussion. These results are significantly better than the figures stated in literature in terms of knee pain, return to work and sports. There was no significant difference between the 2 approaches to the tibia again in contradiction of available literature