Retrospectİve Comparison Of Talon Or Conventional Locking Nailing For Tibial Shaft Fractures

Abstract

Objective: Tibial shaft fractures are common orthopedic injuries that present challenges in treatment selection. The primary aim of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical outcomes of tibial shaft fractures treated with Talon and conventional locking nails. Methods: Ninety-four patients who underwent tibial intramedullary nailing between 2019-2021 were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the type of distal locking used: Group 1 received conventional screw locking, and Group 2 received Talon locking. Patient age, gender, trauma mechanism, fracture type, and surgery data were analyzed. The complications and bone union processes during follow-up were evaluated and compared between the two nail designs. Results: The age and gender of the patients included in the study were statistically similar in both groups. Furthermore, the Talon group demonstrated significantly shorter union times (p < 0.001*). According to the OTA classification, there was a preference for screw-locking systems in more complex fractures (p = 0.017). Conclusion: The results of this retrospective study suggest that Talon locking nails may offer advantages over conventional screw locking, especially in younger patients, resulting in earlier bone union. Further research is needed to investigate Talon nails' biomechanical stability and suitability for specific fracture types.