Creatine kinase in tibial shaft fractures. Serum creatine kinase levels in patients with tibial shaft fractures.

The creatine kinase (CK) activity of the serum of 33 male and 24 female patients with tibial shaft fractures has been assayed. In 40 of the 57 patients the CK level surpassed the maximal normal limit of 1.7 mukat/l. Patients with fractures due to direct violence had significantly higher levels than those with fractures due to indirect violence. When the fracture was displaced the CK level was more often abnormal than when there was no displacement. Patients with extensive swelling of the injured leg had significantly higher levels than patients with minor or no swelling. CK determinations could be used to quantify muscle injury.