The management of tibial shaft fractures by early weight bearing in a patella tendon bearing cast: a comparative study.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the author's personal experiences in using the Patella Tendon Bearing Cast (P.T.B.) as described by Sarmiento (6), in the management of tibial shaft fractures. In all patients weight-bearing was instituted in a P.T.B. cast 4 weeks from the date of the fracture. The results obtained were compared with those of conventional methods used in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures. Analysis revealed that when the P.T.B. cast was used for treatment of tibial shaft fractures, the time taken for fracture healing was significantly reduced and the functional results were superior to those of conventional methods.