The challenge of open tibial shaft fractures: When tomanage with external fixation and when to useintramedullary nailing?

Treatment of open tibial shaft fractures is challenging. External fixation (EF) is comparatively safe in treating these open injuries with the main advantages of easy application, minimal additional disruption, and convenient subsequent soft tissue repair. Tibial intramedullary nailing (IM) is optimal for the treatment of open tibial fractures. This study aims to report the outcomes of our multi-center experience in the management of open tibial shaft fractures, evaluating the efficacy and safety of using either the external fixation (EF) or intramedullary nailing (IM).In this study, clinical-radiographic results were evaluated in 26 cases of open fractures treated with an external fixator …