[Therapeutic principles and results in the management of open fractures of the tibial].

In open fractures of the leg, in which because of any reason no primary stable osteosynthesis can be performed, threading with Kirschner wire is preferred by the authors. This method assures adaptation stability, with minimal osteosynthesis. Primary closure of the wound in the soft parts is striven by the authors, - if necessary, even by plastic surgery. If primary healing of the wound is obtained and also the other conditions are favourable, the treatment after 7-10 days is the same as after covered fractures: stable osteosynthesis is performed. On the other hand, if suppuration of the wound occurs, the opposing fixed fracutre bone ends assure favourable conditions for the successful surgical treatment of the fracture. A further advantage of the method is that it may be performed without special instruments and without greater surgical experience. The results obtained with this surgical treatment of open leg fractures in the 4 years' material of the Traumatological Department of the First Surgical Clinique of the University Medical School, Pécs, are discussed by the authors.