OBJECTIVETo study the method and effects of multi-stage manipulative reduction and homemade splint fixation in the treatment of tibia shaft fractures.

METHODSTwenty-two patients (16 male and 6 female) were involved the retrospective study. The average age was 33 years (from 6 to 54 years). Single tibia shaft fracture was in 15 cases and tibiofibular fracture in 7 cases. Fracture site: 3 cases were in the upper part of the tibia, 4 in the middle part and 15 in the lower part. Fracture pattern: oblique fracture was in 8 cases, spiral fracture in 5 cases, comminuted fracture in 4 cases and transverse fracture in 5 cases. All the patients were treated with multi-stage manipulative reduction and homemade splint fixation.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up from 3 to 15 months (mean 6 on months). There were malunion of fracture in 1 case, delayed union in 1 case and nonunion in 1 case. The results were excellent in 18 cases, good in 3 cases and poor in 1 case according to WANG Xu-dong assessment criteria.

CONCLUSIONOn the base of traditional manipulative reduction and splint fixation, multi-stage manual correction could stabilize the broken part and prevent displacement. It had the characteristics of easy operation, reliable fixation, rapid union of fracture, few complications and influences on joint function. Multi-stage manipulative reduction and homemade splint fixation is one of the most reliable methods for closed tibia fracture.