Comparison of treatment of tibial-shaft fracture by interlocking nailing and plating methods

Interlocking nailing and plating are two conventional methods of treatment of tibial-shaft fracture. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods. This clinical-trial study was done on 90 patients with fracture of tibia and fibula. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. The individuals in groups one and two treated with plating and interlocking nailing methods, respectively. The mean time of union, hospitalization and returning to work as well as thickness of callus, range of motion of knee and ankle joints were compared between the two groups. The data was analyzed using t-test. The average time of bone union, hospitalization, callus thickness, time to return to work, range of motion of knee up to 130 degree, and ankle up to 50 degree in group one (plating) and two (interlocking nailing) were 4.8±0.2.5 months vs. 3.4±0.24 months (p<0.05), 5 vs. 3 days (p<0.05), 2.5±0.05 mm vs. 4±0.06 mm (p<0.05), 3±0.05 months vs. 1.5±0.06 months (p<0.05), 0.3.5±0.04 months vs. 2±0.03 months (p<0.05), 5.2±0.07 months vs. 3±0.04 months (p<0.05), respectively. Based on the results, interlocking nailing method is better than the other one and is preferred for fixation and treatment of tibial-shaft fractures.