Intramedullary nailing versus external fixation in Gustilo type III open tibial shaft fractures: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Five randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of intramedullary nail fixation and external fixation in the management of Gustilo type II open tibial shaft fractures. Pooled analyses were performed on the incidences of infection, malunion and nonunion, and "other complications", such as vascular injury and soft tissue injury. Pooled results demonstrated significantly lower incidences of infection, map-union and non-union with intramedullary nailing versus external fixation.