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External longitudinal splitting of the tibialis anterior muscle for coverage of compound fractures of the middle third of the tibia.

In this modern era, compound fractures of the middle third of the tibia are relatively common. With the advent of external fixation, these fractures can be more rapidly and effectively dealt with, and attention can be directed to immediate coverage of the exposed bone. External longitudinal splitting of the anterior tibialis muscle offers a convenient and safe method for converting the open fracture to a closed one. The uniqueness of the tibialis anterior muscle is two-fold. It is circumpennate, and it has an internal axial tendon corresponding to almost its total length. Both these features impart to it considerable strength, and the muscle splitting herewith described does not appear to impair its function. Five treated limbs, each with loss of soft tissues overlying compound mid-third tibial fractures, are presented. Rapid healing and virtual absence of bone infection was observed in all cases.