OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the postoperative rotational deviation of diaphyseal tibial fractures in patients treated with non-reamed, interlocking intramedullary nailing and bridge plate, using computerized tomography for measurement. METHOD: one hundred and thirteen patients with diaphyseal tibial fractures were treated; 42 fractures were treated with non-reamed, interlocking intramedullary nailing, and 71 fractures were treated with bridge plate. Tibial rotation measurements were obtained by using the CT scan. All of the fractures were classified by the AO scale, by their presentation (closed and open) and the percentage of deviation on internal and external rotation. RESULTS: no significant difference in tibial rotation was found as a function of fracture location, internal or external rotation, and types A or B of fractures. However, in the case of type C fractures and open fractures, the treatment with non-reamed, interlocking intramedullary nailing resulted in a much smaller rotation in comparison to the treatment with bridge plate (p = 0.028 and p = 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: rotational deviations, regardless of the location of the diaphyseal tibial fractures, are associated to the trauma energy, thus presenting a greater challenge to control it by using the bridge plate.
Tibia; Tomography X-Ray; Fracture fixation intramedullary
