The study of complications after tibia fracture treated with interlocking nails of various kinds.

A retrospective review of 60 cases of tibial fractures treated with interlocking nailing was under- taken to document the spectrum of complication associated with this procedure. The 60 cases of tibia fracture were followed up at least 1 year, related to clinical and radiographic union. Complications were categorized into intraoperative, early postoperative and late postoperative group.

1. Intraoperative complication developed in 11 cases(16.6%) : propagation of proximal tibia fracture in 5 cases(8.3%) and malalignment in 6 cases(10%), among them 3 cases(50%) occurred at proximal 1/3 facture site, 2 cases(33%) occurred at distal 1/3 site and 1 case(16%) occurred at mid 1/3 site.

2. Early post operative complication occurred in 4 cases(6.7%), lesional entry point infection in 3 cases, hematoma in 1 cases without nerve injury or compartment syndrome.

3. In late complication groups were as follows(28 cases, 47%) deep infection in 4 cases(6.6%), hard ware failure in 3 cases(5%) limb shortening more than ten in 3 cases(5%), 6 cases(10%) were angular deformity more than 5 degree and delayed union occurred in 5 cases(8.3%) which need secondary operation. 7 cases(11%) had knee pain, were rated as patellar tendinitis or implant protrusion.