Complications of interlocking nailing for lower leg fractures: a 3-year follow up of 102 cases.

Of the 109 patients treated by interlocking nailing for lower leg fractures between 1985 and 1990 at the A.ö.KH Schwaz and the LKH Bad Ischl, Austria, 92 underwent follow-up examination. Data were analyzed using a personal computer. Special attention was paid to fracture pattern, level, complications, and length of sick leave. Compared with a previous study, an increasing number of compound fracture patterns were evaluated. Except for 14 misalignments and two late infections after new injuries, no other serious complications were detected. Interlocking nailing can be highly recommended even for open fractures up to the second degree at any level from the second fifth to the fourth fifth of the tibia.