Thirty-eight consecutive segmental fractures of the tibia were treated
by intramedullary nailing with the Kuntscher-Herzog nail. Twenty-two
fractures were closed and sixteen were open. Reaming of the medullary
cavity was performed and adequate fixation was ensured by use of a plaster
cast. Weight-bearing was allowed after thirty-days for closed fractures and
sixty days for open fractures. All of the closed fractures healed without
malunion or infection. Of the patients with open fractures, one had an
infection; one, non-union; and one, malunion. In all cases but one, union
was slower at the distal fracture.