PURPOSE: To evaluate the differences between interlocking compression nail and ordinary compression nail in the treatement of acute tibial shaft fractures ,ATERIALS AND METHODS: From March, 1995 to November, 1998, 67 patients were treated with intramedullary nail for the acute tibial shaft fractures. Among them, 27 cases treated with interlocking compression nails and 22 cases, with ordinary interlocking nails were analyzed in terms of average union time, complications and functional results. RESULTS: One tibial shaft treated with interlocking compression nail failed to unite. Average union time was 14.4 weeks in the group treated with interlocking compression nails, 14.2 weeks, with ordinary interlocking nails. Functional results were graded as excellent and good in 85% in the group treated with interlocking compression nails, 90%, with ordinary compression nails. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the treatment results between the groups treated with interlocking compression nails and ordinary interlocking nails.