Only a few randomised studies have been published on the treatment of tibial shaft fractures. We therefore expected a great diversity in the choice of treatment methods in Denmark. In order to analyse this, we carried out a questionnaire investigation.
In autumn 1997, a questionnaire was sent to all departments in Denmark where tibial fractures are treated. The fractures were classified according to stability, amount of energy, and the degree of soft tissue injury.
Ninety-three per cent of the departments answered the questionnaire. We present here the results with respect to the use of antibiotics, thrombosis prophylaxis, invasive pressure measuring, and the choice of treatment: conservative or operative methods and techniques.
As expected, we found a significant variation in the choice of treatment of tibial shaft fractures in Denmark. This is consistent with the recommendations in the literature, which vary somewhat and are mostly based on non-randomised studies.
