Intramedullary nailing in open tibia fractures: a comparison of two techniques.

We analyzed 51 patients with open tibial fractures treated with intramedullary nailing. In 29 patients the nailing was performed without reaming and in 22 after the "reamed-to-fit" technique. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of union. The nonreamed group required a greater number of secondary procedures to achieve union and had a higher but not statistically significant incidence of infection. Analysis of the operative and anesthesia cost associated with the additional procedures revealed that on average, patients receiving nonreamed nailing incurred a cost of $4,900 more per fracture than patients of the reamed-to-fit technique. The healing rates of open tibia fractures using either minimally reamed or nonreamed techniques of intramedullary nailing are comparable. No increase in the rate of infection with the reamed-to-fit technique was found. A significant increase in the number of secondary procedures required to achieve union was found with the nonreamed nailing technique.