[The unreamed tibial intramedullary nail in treatment of tibial fractures--initial experiences].

The unreamed tibial nail (UTN) combines the advantages of the external fixator (preservation of the cortical blood supply) with that of conventional intramedullary nailing (closed system, high patient comfort, no pin problems) in the treatment of the lower leg fracture [5]. Within 1 year (III/92 to III/93) 31 closed and 2 open fractures were stabilised with UTN. In 67% (22 persons) we found fractures of the A1, A2 and A3 types according to the AO classification. In 6 patients there was a combined lesion with involvement of the ankle joint. A follow-up of 27 patients was done, extending to an average of 6 months postoperatively. The clinical and radiological results were excellent in 26; average fracture healing time was about 12-14 weeks.