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Research Paper | Orthopaedic Surgery | India | Volume 12 Issue 2, February 2023
Titanium vs. Stainless Steel Intramedullary Interlocking Nails in the Fixation of Tibia Shaft Fractures
Arjun V H | Rajesh S [30] | Tanisha LC
Abstract: Introduction: Surgical fixation of tibia shaft fractures involves use of intramedullary interlocking nails. Titanium and stainless steel are two common metals used to manufacture these nails. Both metals have unique biomechanical properties. It is therefore imperative to understand whether nail material affects fracture union. Methodology: Retrospective analysis of patient charts, preoperative, postoperative and follow up radiographs of patient's who underwent intramedullary nail fixation for tibia shaft fractures over the period of the last 3 years was done. Intra-articular, open fractures and patients lacking adequate follow up data were excluded. The sample size included a total of 51 patients. The subjects were divided into two groups, those that underwent fixation titanium intramedullary nails and those that underwent fixation using stainless steel intramedullary nails. The post-operative radiograph of these patients at the 6 month follow up visit was analyzed. Radiographic fracture union was evaluated using the modified RUST criteria. Results: There were a total of 51 patients who met the inclusion criteria. After analysis of the data, it was found that there was no statistically significant difference in the union rates of the two groups. Conclusion: The purpose of this study was to compare the union rates of titanium intramedullary interlocking nails with stainless steel intramedullary interlocking nails used to treat tibia shaft fractures. We discovered that the union rates of tibia shaft fractures treated with titanium and stainless steel intramedullary nails do not differ signi?cantly. A bigger sample size and continued monitoring until implant removal could provide more information on the issue.
Keywords: Titanium, Stainless steel, Tibia shaft fractures, IMIL, Intramedullary interlocking nail, RUST criteria
Edition: Volume 12 Issue 2, February 2023,
Pages: 1695 - 1696