A 30-year-old man sustains a closed tibial shaft fracture from a road traffic accident. The fracture is at the junction of the middle and lower thirds with moderate displacement. The neurovascular status is intact. What is the preferred method of definitive fixation?

• A Open reduction and plate osteosynthesis
• B Closed reduction and long leg plaster cast
• C External fixator as definitive treatment
• D Intramedullary interlocking nail ✓

Explanation

Intramedullary interlocking nailing is the gold standard for displaced tibial shaft fractures in adults. It preserves the periosteal blood supply, allows early weight bearing, and reduces malunion and non-union rates compared with casting or plating. The middle-to-lower third location is a classic site, and nailing provides rotational as well as axial stability. Plating risks wound complications given the subcutaneous nature of the tibia.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.