Backstroke technique: an effective way to improve the healing of tibia fracture.

To assess the method and results of applying a backstroke technique, we treated 43 patients with tibial shaft fracture using unreamed tibial nails (UTN). Of these patients, 27 suffered a closed fracture and 16 an open fracture. After the operation, the effect of treatment was evaluated: 42 of 43 cases were followed up from four to 18 months, averaging 13.6 months. The four-month and 12-month healing rates of open fracture were 54.6 and 80.9%, respectively, the former of which is significantly higher than the average rate of the AO/ASIF multicentre study. Our results indicate that applying a backstroke technique in treating tibial shaft fracture with UTN can improve the healing rate and reduce complications.