Interpretation of the Osteomedullography in the Fracture of Tibial Shaft

The tibial fracture apt to be encountered many complicationa including delayed or non-union. Many authors reported aeveral methods of early detection of the complication. Among them, it has been known that interoeseous phlebography is one of the simplest and valuable method to predict the delayed or non-union. Puranen and Kaski(1974) reported that the osteomedullography was valuable in early detection of delayed union and in deciding whether a bone graft is indicated. We performed ostemedullogram in the cases of tibial fracture since July, 1974. In this paper, we presented the caaes which showed unusual findings, and dicussed the method of evaluation of these findings. The results obtained as follows; 1. The positive Kaski signs did not always mean the completness of union of fracture. It only indicated that the union was going on. 2. Even in cases in which Kaski signs are positive, the final decision for bone graft have to depend upon the clinical and physical findings and simple roentgenogram. 3. The negative Kaski signs did not always mean the possible development of delayed or non-union. Usually it indicated only delaying of union, and the treatment should not solely depend on only the osteomedullographic findings. 4. Even in cases in which bridging callus is well formed around both fracture ends, also in cases of solidly united fracture Kaski signs were sometimes completely negative. This osteomedullography is clinically easily to apply in all cases of tibial fracture, and give us a lot of information concerning with fracture healing. We have to pay attention to the false nagative cases. In those cases we have to depend more on clinical test and simple roentgenogrm.