[Significance of fracture form and bone necrosis for the treatment of open tibial fracture].

In a retrospective analysis the author deals with 370 open fractures of the tibia which were administered from 1961 to 1980. Treatment by plate osteosynthesis proved to be superior to conservative management (13% wound infections, 11,3% aseptic complications). Special importance is attached to the degree of soft tissue damage as a cause of osteonecrosis in certain types of fractures. By presenting a new classification scheme of fractures of the tibia the author is able to derive that kind of treatment which is required.