RT Journal
A1 Cannada, Lisa K.
A1 Anglen, Jeffrey O.
A1 Archdeacon, Michael T.
A1 HerscoviciJr., Dolfi
A1 Ostrum, Robert F.
T1 Avoiding Complications in the Care of Fractures of the Tibia
JF The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
JO The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
YR 2008
FD August 1
VO 90
IS 8
SP 1760
OP 1768
DO 
UL http://dx.doi.org/
AB 
Look for this and other related articles in Instructional Course Lectures, Volume 58, which will be published by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in February 2009:"Prevention of Complications After Treatment of Femoral Shaft and Distal Femoral Fractures," by Robert F. Ostrum, MD, Jeffrey O. Anglen, MD, Michael T. Archdeacon, MD, MSE, Lisa K. Cannada, MD, and Dolfi Herscovici, DOTibial fractures are the most common long-bone fractures, with the National Center for Health Statistics reporting an annual incidence of 492,000 fractures of the tibia and fibula per year in the United States1. Fractures of the tibial shaft range from low-energy minimally displaced fractures to limb-threatening injuries with associated nerve and arterial damage and major damage to the soft-tissue envelope. Even the lower-energy tibial shaft fractures are not as benign as they seem. Common problems include deformity after intramedullary nail fixation of fractures in the proximal one-third of the tibia, infections after open fractures, and aseptic nonunions. This lecture covers these three common complications, with an emphasis on prevention, recognition, and treatment.