[Results of treatment following management of tibial segmental fractures].

Between 1965 and 1982 68 patients with segmental-fracture of the tibia have been treated at the Department of Traumatology of the University of Mainz. These patients and their medical records have been investigated. The segmental-fracture of the tibia is characterized by a high percentage (56%) of open injuries and a large amount (11.5%) of bad results. The main problem is the open fracture with major soft tissue injuries. The results of our investigations show, that the degree of soft tissue involvement has a large influence on healing. Because of the critical blood-supply of the tibia and the major circulatory impairment in segmental fractures nailing with a thin nail is a good treatment. In open fractures with major soft tissue injuries the external fixator should be preferred, because it doesn't cause additional soft-tissue-injury.