Journal of orthopaedic trauma
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The current literature tends to favor rigid internal fixation with plates for symptomatic midclavicular nonunions. From 1985 to 1992, 14 patients with clavicular nonunions were treated by open reduction and intramedullary Steinman pin fixation with onlay iliac crest bone grafting. The average age of patients was 36 years (range 18-62). ⋯ The most significant complications were two refractures occurring through osteopenic bone. We have found this technique to be as effective as plating procedures, yet it maintains the great advantage of ease of hardware removal. It allows early motion and has been useful in those whose previous plating procedures have failed.
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Twelve patients with tibial shaft fractures and evidence of compartment syndrome or with documented elevated compartment pressures were treated with an unreamed locked intramedullary nail and a single-incision lateral four-compartment fasciotomy. There were six closed fractures and three grade I and three grade II open fractures. Ten fractures have achieved a solid union without shortening or significant angulation at an average follow-up of 8.1 months (range 4-26). ⋯ All patients obtained an excellent range of motion of the knee and ankle. Unreamed nailing of diaphyseal tibial fractures with an associated compartment syndrome provides optimal internal fixation while allowing excellent access for soft tissue care. We believe that the unreamed tibial nail, when combined with a single-incision, lateral, four-compartment fasciotomy, offers substantial advantage in the treatment of this injury, permitting optimal treatment of a difficult fracture and soft tissue injury.