The authors report the results of 1-stage external fixation using a locking plate in 116 tibial fractures (85 closed and 31 open). The patients were followed for an average of 22 months. The mean duration of surgery was 42 minutes. The mean fracture healing time was 12 weeks for proximal, 20 weeks for shaft, 14 weeks for distal, and 24 weeks for multisegmental tibial fractures. Nonunion, deep infection, and breakage of screws did not occur. External plate fixation is effective for tibial fractures and especially for metaphyseal fractures. It has the advantages of being easy to perform and less invasive, and the plate is conveniently located for removal.
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