A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study Comparing Temporary Internal Fixation to External Fixation at the First Stage Debridement in the Treatment of Type IIIB Open Diaphyseal Tibial Fractures

Objectives:To compare the rates of deep infection, flap failure, and nonunion after temporary internal fixation (TIF) with temporary external fixation (ex-fix) in the management of Gustilo–Anderson type IIIB open tibia fractures.Design:Retrospective comparative cohort study.Setting:Level 1 trauma ce