The Sarmiento tibial plaster: a prospective study of 145 fractures.

A prospective series of 145 fractures of the tibia was treated with the Sarmiento below-knee functional cast between 1973 and 1979. In only 3 patients was it not possible to use the cast for reasons connected with the method. The cast was applied in 88 per cent of cases within 4 weeks of injury. Control of angulatory deformity and shortening was satisfactory and the results approach those reported by Sarmiento. The results regarding the speed of healing also stand comparison with Sarmiento's but difficulties inherent in the interpretation of these results are discussed. The PTB cast has been found to be an effective and safe method for the treatment of tibial shaft fractures.