Background The AO unreamed tibial nail (UTN) has been used for both open and closed tibial fractures. The reported results have been
mixed. We evaluated its outcome in our unit.
Aim To assess the outcome of tibial shaft fractures treated with the AO UTN.
Methods Forty-eight patients underwent intramedullary nailing between 1995 and 2000 using the AO UTN. Follow-up details were available
for 45 patients.
Results Forty-four fractures united (97%). Complications included one non-union (2.2%), 15 delayed unions (33%), nine had either
broken or bent interlocking screws (20%), six malunions (13%) and three patients underwent fasciotomy for compartment syndrome
(7%). Twenty-one patients underwent at least one additional operation to obtain union (47%). Of these, five underwent exchange
nailing (11%).
Conclusions The AO UTN does have a high complication rate and, should it be used, we feel that early dynamisation or exchange nailing
be considered to hasten union and prevent screw breakage.