Objective：To investigate the preliminary outcomes and application principles of self-tension inter-reverse skeletal tractionfor temporary immobilization to manage open tibial fracture. Methods：The clinical data of 96 open tibial fractures treated in our institution from February 2012 to August 2017were retrospectively analyzed. Forty cases were treated with self-tension inter-reverse skeletal traction (Study group) and 56 cases were treated with traditional external fixator(Control group). Documented the time consumed for temporary immobilization, the interval of conversion from temporary immobilization to definitive fixation, the pin tract infection rate, the interval between external fixation to definitive internal fixation, and the weight bearing commencing time，range of motion of adjacent joints, VAS scoring, postoperative infection rate and radiographic evaluation of fracture reduction and Johner—Wruhs criteria for evaluation at the last follow-up. Results：All patients were followed up for 14 to 25 months after definitive internal fixation. The study group had a significantly shorter time consumed for temporary immobilization, a shorter the interval between external fixation to definitive internal fixation, and a shorter time consumed in the definitive internal fixation, all with significant differences (P<0.05). The times of commencing weight bearing and total weight bearing, ROM of the knee and ankle joints proved no significant differences between the two groups（P>0.05）. At the last follow-up, no significant difference was proved in the VAS scoring and the excellent and good rate according to Johner-Wruhs criteria between the two groups（P>0.05）. The healing time and the postoperative residual varus-valgus and anteroposterior angulations proved no statistically significant between the two groups（P>0.05）. Conclusion：With less invasive interference to the definitive surgery zone, the use of self-tension skeletal traction to provisionally stabilize open tibial fractures could impart shorter interval of conversion from external fixation to definitive fixation and lower infection rate.