[Results of rigid osteosynthesis treatment of diaphyseal fractures of the tibia].

The data for 301 patients (90% of the patients operated on), has been worked out. Those who had received rigid osteosynthesis treatment, were patients who had sustained fractures too critical to be treated with more conservative means. 64.8% of these fractures were of the complicative multifragment type. Of the indirect type, only the open fractures, and those that had become redislocated, were surgically repaired. It is believed that R. O. of open fractures is a routine part of primary surgical treatment. The patients' age ranged from 20-90 years; most of whom (55%) were involved in traffic accidents. All of the R. O. procedures were done urgently, in so much as no contraindications existed. 78% of the patients were operated on two hours following their admittance to the hospital. The material used during the R. O. procedure included platetted immediately following the R. O. procedure. Total anatomic reposition was accomplished with 95% of the cases. Repeat osteosynthesis due patients. 9.3% resulted in perifragmental purulence, whereas only 1.8% of the closed fractures resulted in the same. Sequestration had never occured when the bone was unexposed, however, this was found to occur in one out of every 4 patients in which the bone was exposed. Seven of the patients had expired, 4 due to fat embolism, 2 due to pulmonary embolism, and 1 due to a brain contusion; only one amputation was performed due to gas gangrene. Rehabilitation of the patients was carried out in the immediate postoperative course, and lasted a relatively short time. 90% of the patients had to change jobs due to poor rehabilitation.