Fractures of the tibial shaft in adults

Diaphyseal tibial fractures are the most common long bone fracture. There are a variety of treatment options, both operative and non-operative, and satisfactory outcomes are reliant on a thorough understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the different treatment modalities, and their most useful applications. Certain fracture patterns present particular difficulties and these must be recognized pre-operatively so that an appropriate surgical strategy can be planned. Compartment syndrome can be a devastating complication, and must be kept in mind at all times.