Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-07-07 Origin: Site
The tibial shaft is one of the most common sites for fractures, accounting for 13.7% of all fractures in the body. The distal tibia has anatomical characteristics such as poor blood supply compensation and minimal soft tissue coverage. Once a fracture occurs, soft tissue damage and compromised local blood supply can increase the difficulty of fracture healing. Additionally, the high probability of concurrent fibular fractures and instability make the selection of an appropriate surgical approach essential.
The cross-section of the mid-to-upper tibial shaft is triangular, while the lower third is quadrilateral. The junction of the middle and lower thirds is relatively narrow and represents a transition in shape, making it a common site for fractures.
The anterior third of the tibia is covered only by skin without muscle coverage, making it prone to open fractures where the bone fragments pierce the skin. Even in closed fractures, most tibial fractures are accompanied by damage to the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The mid-tibia lacks muscle coverage, and there are four fascial compartments surrounding the tibia and fibula. The incidence of compartment syndrome is higher in tibial fractures compared to other fractures.
The AO/OTA Arabic numeral classification designates tibial shaft fractures as 4 (tibia) 2 (shaft). Type A corresponds to simple fractures with a single fracture line, which is the most common type. Type B fractures have an intermediate wedge-shaped fragment. Type C fractures are caused by high-energy trauma and are comminuted segmental fractures.
Type I: Wound length less than 1 cm, usually a relatively clean puncture wound with the bone tip protruding through the skin. Soft tissue damage is minimal, with no crushing injury. The fracture is simple, transverse, or short oblique, without comminution.
Type II: Wound exceeds 1 cm, with more extensive soft tissue damage but no avulsion or flap formation. Soft tissue exhibits mild to moderate crushing injury, moderate contamination, and moderate comminution of the fracture.
Type IIIA: Despite extensive avulsion injury or flap formation, or high-energy trauma regardless of wound size, there is adequate soft tissue coverage over the fracture.
Type IIIB: Extensive soft tissue damage and loss, with periosteal stripping and exposed bone, accompanied by severe contamination.
Type IIIC: Associated with arterial injury requiring repair.
Non-surgical treatments for tibial fractures include braces, plaster external fixation, traction, manual reduction, and the use of external fixation frames. Surgical options include locked plate internal fixation and intramedullary nailing, among others.
Intramedullary nailing fixation is favored by many trauma orthopedic surgeons due to its simple surgical procedure, small incisions, minimal trauma, and convenient removal of the nail after fracture healing. It provides strong internal fixation, allowing early postoperative functional exercise and avoiding local and systemic complications. These advantages align with the AO principles of treatment.
Anterior oblique cutting in proximal end prevents irritation to patellar ligament.
Advance proximal locking design increases the desired stability for the proximal fragment.
Distal oblique locking option to prevent soft tissue damage and increase stability of the distal fragment.
Locking screw designed with double lead thread for easier insertion.
Locking design for stronger fixation, reduce postoperative fragment dislocation.
Multi points of fixation provide angular stability and stable support for tibial palteau.
The device features an adaptive adjustment function, with its morphological changes shown in the illustrations under both pre-compression (loose state) and post-compression (tightly fitted) conditions.
Multi fixation method from proximal and distal, indicate ultimate proximal and distal tibial fractures.
The distal end of the main nail has a flat design, facilitating easy insertion into the medullary cavity.
Two angular locking screws at the proximal end prevent rotation and displacement of the fracture segment.
A special anatomical curvature ensures the main nail is optimally positioned within the medullary cavity.
Three intersecting angle locking screws at the distal end provide effective support and fixation.
Suitable for most tibial shaft fractures (midshaft and some distal/proximal fractures), whereas other types (e.g., DTN or Expert Nail) are designed for specific anatomical regions or complex fractures.
The standard approach (parapatellar or transpatellar) follows a well-established procedure with a lower learning curve, whereas specialized approaches (e.g., suprapatellar) require additional technical training.
Compared to specialized nails like the Expert Nail or DTN, standard tibial intramedullary nails are typically more affordable, making them suitable for routine cases.
Compatible with universal instrumentation (e.g., locking screws, targeting devices), whereas specialized nails (e.g., Expert Nail with multi-directional locking systems) may require proprietary tools.
Type | Best Indications | Core Advantages |
---|---|---|
Expert Nail | Complex shaft fractures, osteoporosis | Multi-planar locking, high stability |
Suprapatellar Nail | Proximal fractures, obese patients | Suprapatellar approach, reduces anterior knee complications |
DTN | Distal fractures (near ankle joint) | Multi-directional distal locking, resists shortening |
Standard Nail | Mid-shaft simple fractures | Simple operation, cost-effective |
Drilling Instruments: Includes drill bits, reamers, and other tools directly used for bone drilling.
Targeting Devices: Instruments for positioning and guiding drilling or implant placement, such as guide wires, guide sleeves, and aiming devices.
Fixation Instruments: Tools used for connecting, locking, or adjusting implants, such as universal joints, wrenches, screws, and hammers.
Measuring Tools: Instruments for measuring depth, positioning, or assisting in surgery, such as depth gauges, reduction forceps, and bone awls (AWL).
Imaging Evaluation: Preoperative X-ray/CT to confirm fracture type, medullary canal diameter and length, with measurement of contralateral tibia as reference.
Positioning: Supine position with knee flexion 90°-120° and slight hip adduction (to reduce patellar tendon tension). A triangular radiolucent frame may support the popliteal fossa for traction.
Sterile Draping: Standard limb sterilization and draping, ensuring C-arm mobility.
Manual Traction: Assistant applies longitudinal traction while surgeon palpates tibial crest and anteromedial surface to adjust alignment (length, rotation, angulation).
Instrument-Assisted:
Joystick Technique: Schanz screws inserted into proximal/distal fragments for lever reduction.
Percutaneous Clamping: Pointed reduction forceps for oblique/spiral fractures.
Distractor: Large distractor placed coronally (proximal Schanz screw parallel to tibial plateau, distal pin in talus or distal tibia) to maintain length.
Landmarks:
Entry point 1cm distal to anterior tibial plateau edge, aligned with medullary axis.
Fluoroscopic confirmation: AP view aligns with tibial crest, lateral view parallels tibial axis.
Opening Instruments:
Cannulated drill over guidewire (with protective sleeve) or curved solid awl.
Hand reamers (6-8mm) for old fractures with canal occlusion.
Guidewire Placement: Ball-tipped guidewire bent 10-15mm at tip for fracture passage. Fluoroscopic confirmation at distal physeal scar (ankle center).
Reaming Protocol:
Flexible reamers starting at 8mm, incrementing 0.5mm until cortical "chatter" (typically 1-1.5mm > nail diameter).
Note: Intermittent withdrawal clears debris; avoid thermal necrosis.
Length Determination:
Intraoperative measurement: Guidewire overlap method or fluoroscopic ruler (entry point to ankle joint).
Ensure nail tip reaches physeal scar without proximal protrusion.
Insertion Technique:
Hand-advance over guidewire; adjust reduction if resistance occurs.
Maintain reduction during passage for distal fractures.
Sequence Strategy
Length-stable fractures: Proximal locking first (single screw allows dynamization).
Length-unstable/comminuted fractures: Distal locking first followed by "backslap" to compress.
Proximal Locking
≥2 screws via aiming device (multidirectional for proximal fractures).
Distal Locking
Fluoroscopic technique: Central beam perpendicular to screw holes ("perfect circle"), percutaneous drilling.
≥2 screws for distal fractures (may combine AP/oblique orientations).
End Cap: Optional insertion (prevents bony ingrowth), ensure no joint protrusion.
Wound Closure: Layered patellar tendon repair with loose subcutaneous sutures.
Early Rehabilitation:
Limb elevation; monitor for compartment syndrome within 24hrs.
Initiate active joint mobilization (ankle pumps, knee flexion) on POD 1-2.
Weight-Bearing Protocol:
Partial weight-bearing for 6 weeks (adjusted per stability), progressing to full when callus appears.
Follow-Up: Clinical/radiological evaluation at 2, 6, and 12 weeks.
Headquarters: Raynham, Massachusetts, USA
Flagship Products:
Expert Tibial Nail (ETN) – Designed for stability in complex tibial fractures.
T2 Tibial Nail – Offers enhanced fixation and compression.
Key Strengths: Strong R&D, global distribution, and integration with trauma solutions.
Headquarters: Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Flagship Products:
T2 Tibial Nail – Modular system for tibial shaft fractures.
Gamma3 Tibial Nail – Combines intramedullary nailing with locking options.
Key Strengths: Advanced robotics (Mako), minimally invasive solutions, and strong trauma portfolio.
Headquarters: London, UK
Flagship Products:
TRIGEN Tibial Nail – Designed for ease of insertion and stability.
IM Tibial Nail – Intramedullary fixation for tibial fractures.
Key Strengths: Focus on sports medicine and trauma, innovative materials.
Headquarters: Changzhou, China
Flagship Products:
Distal Tibial Intramedullary Nail (DTN) – Optimized for distal fractures.
Expert Tibia Intramedullary Nail – High-strength titanium alloy design.
Suprapatellar Approach Tibial Intramedullary Nail – Minimally invasive insertion.
Tibial Intramedullary Nail – Versatile fixation options.
Key Strengths: cost-effective solutions, expanding global presence.
Headquarters: Warsaw, Indiana, USA
Flagship Products:
ZNN Tibial Nail – Anatomic design for improved fit.
Natural Nail System – Mimics natural bone mechanics.
Key Strengths: Strong in joint reconstruction, biologics integration, and personalized solutions.
Headquarters: Lewisville, Texas, USA
Flagship Products:
LON Tibial Nail (Lateral Orthopedic Nail) – Designed for lateral entry approach.
Key Strengths: Specialized in bone growth stimulation, limb deformity correction.
CZMEDITECH offers comprehensive tibial nailing solutions for proximal, distal, and complex fractures, with innovative designs (e.g., multi-directional locking, suprapatellar approach) comparable to global leading brands in biomechanics and clinical outcomes.
[1].德康医疗. 德康医疗胫骨骨折解决方案——胫骨髓内钉. 德康医疗, 26 September 2024, https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/G7Pe8XF-25ZSVlBXbLUc9Q.
[2].AO Foundation. (n.d.). Intramedullary nailing for tibial shaft simple spiral fracture [Surgical technique]. AO Surgery Reference. Retrieved July 10, 2024, from https://surgeryreference.aofoundation.org/orthopedic-trauma/adult-trauma/tibial-shaft/simple-fracture-spiral/intramedullary-nailing?searchurl=/searchresults
Global Advanced Tibia Nailing Instruments Name 2025 Top 6 Innovations
Top 10 Distal Tibial Intramedullary Nails (DTN) in North America for January 2025
Top10 Manufacturers in The America: Distal Humerus Locking Plates ( May 2025 )
Distal Tibial Nail: A Breakthrough in The Treatment of Distal Tibial Fractures
The Clinical and Commercial Synergy of the Proximal Tibial Lateral Locking Plate
Technical Outline for Plate Fixation of Distal Humerus Fractures
Top5 Manufacturers in the Middle East: Distal Humerus Locking Plates ( May 2025 )
Top6 Manufacturers in the Europe: Distal Humerus Locking Plates ( May 2025 )
Top7 Manufacturers in the Africa: Distal Humerus Locking Plates ( May 2025 )
Top8 Manufacturers in the Oceania: Distal Humerus Locking Plates ( May 2025 )