Results of medullary wiring of 145 fractures of the tibia shaft.

145 acute fractures of the tibial shaft treated by medullary wiring were reviewed retrospectively. 63 fractures were open, 33 belonging to Gustilo type II and III. 87% of the patients were operated on the day of the accident. There were no intraoperative complications. Fracture healing was delayed (>16 weeks) in 39% and failed in 8%. Soft tissue infection and wound healing problems were encountered in 14% of the patients, but there were no osseous infections. Clinical results more than two years after trauma were excellent and good in half of the patients. Medullary wiring of the tibia has a relatively high rate of bone union and wound problems and limited clinical results, but it is a simple and safe operation with a very low risk of deep infection.