Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the prophylactic use of antibiotic coated intramedullary nail in treatment of open tibia fractures. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, ESICMCH, Bihta, Bihar, India. 50 patients were treated over a period of 24 months with gentamicin coated tibia interlocking nail after taking written and informed consent. Results: All 50 patients (42 males and 8 females) were followed up for minimum of six months duration. Males were 84% against females 16%. The radiological Union was assessed using RUST Score and maximum patients had score 8. Time taken in wound healing in majority of patients was less than 5 weeks (52%). Average duration of hospital stay was 16 days. Large numbers of patients had fair outcome- 54%. Conclusion: Antibiotic coated tibia interlocking nail is a good treatment option for open tibial fractures, yields good functional outcome with less complications in these fractures and should be used whenever indicated.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the prophylactic use of antibiotic coated intramedullary nail in treatment of open tibia fractures. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, ESICMCH, Bihta, Bihar, India. 50 patients were treated over a period of 24 months with gentamicin coated tibia interlocking nail after taking written and informed consent. Results: All 50 patients (42 males and 8 females) were followed up for minimum of six months duration. Males were 84% against females 16%. The radiological Union was assessed using RUST Score and maximum patients had score 8. Time taken in wound healing in majority of patients was less than 5 weeks (52%). Average duration of hospital stay was 16 days. Large numbers of patients had fair outcome- 54%. Conclusion: Antibiotic coated tibia interlocking nail is a good treatment option for open tibial fractures, yields good functional outcome with less complications in these fractures and should be used whenever indicated.