Outcome of tibial shaft fractures treated with the SIGN FIN nail at Addis Ababa Emergency, Burn, and Trauma Hospital (AaEBT) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the outcome of tibial fractures treated with the SIGN FIN nail.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series study.

STUDY SETTING

Trauma center.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We included 14 patients aged 18-51 years with 16 tibial fractures in this study. Patients were followed clinically and radiographically, and the minimum time followed was 6 months. Johner and Wruhs criteria with modification were used to assess the outcome.

RESULT

There were 11 male (78.6%) and three female (21.4%) patients. The mean age was 32.44 ± 8.98 (range 18-51) years. The right-sided tibia was injured in six as compared with the left side in four, and four patients had bilateral injuries. Eight (50%) fractures were closed fractures, whereas the rest eight (50%) were open types of fractures. Among the latter, half (n = 4; 50%) fractures were Gustilo type II fractures, while three (37.5%) fractures were Gustilo type III fractures, and one (12.5%) patient had a Gustilo type I fracture. All patients had radiologic union. There were no infections or secondary surgery for any reason. Excellent, good, and fair results were achieved in 62.5%, 25%, and 12.5%, respectively. All patients were able to return to their preinjury activity except two patients.

CONCLUSION

SIGN FIN nail is an option for treating tibial shaft fractures with good outcomes and few complications in selected fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.