Initial experiences with the unreamed AO tibial nail

It is generally accepted that intramedullary nailing in combination with reaming should be avoided in treating open fractures. However the use of an unreamed, solid nail combined with interlocking allows stabilization also of open and complex fractures. 20 tibia fractures (65% open, 45% complex fractures) have been treated by the AO unreamed tibial nail (UTN), 12 (5 of them open fractures) by direct nailing and 8 after initial stabilization by an external fixator. In our series no intraoperative complications, no soft-tissue healing problems and no infections occurred. Thus, treatment of both, open and comminuted fractures by UTN appears to be rather safe and generally needs no secondary stabilization.