Purpose: Early prediction of the non-union tibia by the RUST score (Radiographic union score for tibia fracture) at three months postoperatively. That will help with early detection of non-union, intervene to treat the non-union and help get back to normal daily life.
Materials and method: Systematic search was done in an electronic database (Google Scholar, PubMed , Chochrane library ) for articles published till 5th January 2022 investigating RUST score as a predictor for non union tibia . The new castle Ottowa scale (NOS) was used to determine risk of bias for each study.
Result: The search turned up 81 records. The final sample included three trials ( 2 cohorts and 1 case control study) involving 510 patients. Statistical analysis showed that if RUST score is >6 at 3rd month then there is 7.12 times more chance for union( OR -7.12, 95% CI-4.06 to 12.49). This meta analysis suggests that the RUST score at 3rd month has the potential to provide an early prediction of tibial non-union. Radiographic union scale in tibial fracture (RUST), the Newcastle ottowa scale (NOS), fracture tibia, non-union, intramedullary interlocking nail.
