Advertisement for orthosearch.org.uk
You currently have no access to view or download this content. Please log in with your institutional or personal account if you should have access to through either of these
The Bone & Joint Journal Logo

Receive monthly Table of Contents alerts from The Bone & Joint Journal

Comprehensive article alerts can be set up and managed through your account settings

View my account settings

DISABILITIES AFTER TIBIAL SHAFT FRACTURES



Download PDF

Abstract

1. A study of the late results of 343 soundly united tibial shaft fractures was carried out. Limitation of ankle and/or foot movement occurred in twenty-one patients (6 per cent) and was found to be the most important cause of disability. Knee stiffness (2·3 per cent of cases) and shortening of up to three-quarters of an inch (5·5 per cent of cases) caused little functional impairment.

2. Stiffness of the foot and ankle was correlated with the severity of injury, occurring in 1 per cent of minor, 5 per cent of moderate and 22 per cent of major injuries.

3. One-third of the patients with limitation of foot and ankle movement had clinical evidence of ischaemic contracture.

4. It is argued that, in the absence of direct injury to the joint, persistent joint stiffness is caused by replacement fibrosis of soft tissues. This may result either from direct tissue injury or from associated vascular damage.

For access options please click here