Percutaneous versus open bone grafting in the treatment of tibial fractures: a randomized prospective trial
Maneerit, J.; Meknavin, S.; Hanpanitkitkan, S.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 87(9): 1034-1040
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 15516003 Document Number: 2419
Purpose : To compare the results between percutaneous bone grafting and open bone grafting of tibial shaft fractures. Method : Thirty tibial fractured shafts with a delayed union or a high-energy tibial fractures which required early prophylaxis bone grafts were randomized to either percutaneous bone graft (n=15) or open bone graft (n=15). One patient from the open bone graft group was lost to follow-up. Characteristics of the patients were similar in both groups. Results : The mean length of follow-up was 2.5 years. Percutaneous bone graft technique was associated with significantly less blood loss (p<0.01) and shorter operative time (p<0.01). One patient in the percutaneous group had posterior tibial nerve palsy postoperatively, which recovered completely after 6 weeks. There were no differences in rate of union, healing time of the successful cases, postoperative pain and hospital stay. Conclusion : The percutaneous technique has effective results similar to the open technique in promoting union of tibial fractures. It should be considered as a useful alternative to the open bone graft technique.
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