Background: This retrospective study aims to evaluate the effect of Ender nail in management of open type I and II unstable tibial fractures.
Methods: From 1984 to 1993, 30 cases of open unstable tibial shaft fracture (with fibular fracture) were collected in the retrospective study. All were fixed with Ender nails. The followup period was 99 (24-135) months.
Results: The average of blood loss was 140 cc, operation time 45 minutes, hospital day 10 days, and union time 20.5 weeks. Student t-test revealed statistically significant difference between open type I cases and type II cases in some parameters described above.
Conclusions: Ender nail is effective in the treatment of open type I and II unstable tibial shaft fractures, but it should be used carefully, especially in cases with more comminution.