Radiation-free Insertion of Interlocked Intramedullary Tibial Nail in Closed Extra-articular Displaced Tibial Shaft Fractures in an Emergency Setup

Background. Interlocking nailing is considered a gold standard surgical treatment of mid-shaft closed diaphyseal tibial fractures. With increasing exposure of orthopaedic surgeons to radiation, we propose a solution to this health hazard through a study wherein we perform the surgery without any radiation or C-arm exposure. Material and methods. This prospective study was done at GMC Jammu from January 2017 to February 2020 and included 218 patients, with 18 patients having bilateral tibia fractures in the age group 15 to 58 years (mean of 37.6 years), including 63.7% males (n=139) and 36.3% females (n=79). The 236 extra-articular closed tibial mid-diaphyseal fractures were operated on and intramedullary tibial nailing was performed without a single C-arm exposure. Postoperative x-rays were done and reduction assessed by standard acceptable criteria. Results. Among 236 cases in which nailing was done, 227 (96%) patients were successfully distally locked, including 128 (56.3%) locked through the jig and 99 (43.6%) by “hit and trial method.” All cases met acceptability criteria set for management of tibia by nailing. Conclusions. 1.This study strengthens the proof that closed extra-articular diaphyseal fractures of the tibia can be managed by nailing without using the C-arm with excellent results. 2.The C-arm is always available for cases where distal locking could not be achieved. 3. The technique has a great role in centres with limited facilities of intra-operative radiography in emergency operation theatres.

COMPARISON OF EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT NAIL TIP POSITIONS ON ANTERIOR KNEE PAIN AFTER INTRAMEDULLARY INTERLOCKING NAILING FOR TIBIAL SHAFT FRACTURES

Objective: To determine the frequency of anterior knee pain after intramedullary interlocking nailing in tibial shaft fractures and to compare the intensity of anterior knee pain between positive and negative anterior cortex nail groups.Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Oct 2018 to Apr 2019. Methodology: 100 cases of tibial shaft fracture were divided into two groups according to anterior cortex nail distance. Patients 18-40 years of age of both genders, closed fractures, Gustilo Andersen I open tibial diaphyseal fractures and nail tip more than 5mm from tibial tuberosity were included. Patients with osteoarthritis, pathological fractures, renal disease, open fracture GA-II & GA-III and knee instability were excluded from the study. Both groups with positive and negative anterior cortex nail distance were compared for pain using the chi-square test. Results: Frequency of anterior knee pain after intramedullary interlocking nailing in tibial shaft fractures was found in 24% of patients. 8 (16%) out of 50 patients in the group with nail tip deep to anterior cortex had anterior knee pain while 16 (32%) out of 50 patients in the group with nail tip protruding from anterior cortex suffered anterior knee pain (p-value = 0.061). Conclusion: Intramedullary interlocking nailing in tibial shaft fractures with nail tip deep to anterior cortex showed less pain as compared to nail tip protruding from anterior cortex although it was not statistically significant.

Physiotherapy Rehabilitation in Post Operative Tibia- Fibula Fracture with External Fixators

Introduction: A tibia - fibula fracture occurs when a fall or trauma to the lower extremities puts more tension on the bones than they can tolerate. Diaphyseal tibial fractures are the most common long bone fracture. Lower extremity Tibia and fibula fractures are examples of fractures. Tibial shaft fractures are most typically associated with a history of severe trauma. The tibia is the most commonly fractured bone in the lower extremity. The bone's shaft is in the middle Fibula fractures are usually, but not always, accompanied by tibial shaft fractures. Case Presentation: At the previous 15 days, a 49-year-old male patient accounted in a hospital with a road traffic accident. Discussion: The physiotherapy was given to this patient for muscle energy technique resulting in a high degree of range of motion in the lower extremity, reduce pain, and improves flexibility and strength. Conclusion: Physiotherapy has a significant effect on pain, strength, and range of motion. The result of this case report specifies that it may be effective for pain relief, improvement in strength, and functional ability.