Definitive fixation of open tibial fractures using the Ilizarov ring fixator: an analysis of functional outcomes
Introduction Open tibial fractures are generally managed by wound debridement and temporary stabilisation with AO external fixators followed by delayed internal fixation provided the soft tissue cover is adequate and there is no infection. This study aims at analysing the factors influencing the...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Russian Ilizarov Scientific Center for Restorative Traumatology and Orthopaedics
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Гений oртопедии |
| Subjects: | |
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| Summary: | Introduction Open tibial fractures are generally managed by wound debridement and temporary stabilisation
with AO external fixators followed by delayed internal fixation provided the soft tissue cover is adequate
and there is no infection.
This study aims at analysing the factors influencing the outcome of treatment of open tibial fractures using
external fixation with Ilizarov ring fixators as definitive method.
Materials and methods Twenty eight patients of both sexes aged more than 18 years who presented
with open tibial fractures were included as our study subjects. The open fractures were classified
according to Gustilo‑Anderson classification of open fractures. Skeletal stabilisation was done either
with Ilizarov ring fixators primarily or with AO external fixators in whom within 5 days since the injury
the Ilizarov ring fixators were applied after thorough debridement of wounds. Patients were followed up
first 4 weeks after the definitive procedure, then after 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. The results
were analysed using Tuckers criteria.
Results We achieved union in 25 patients without infection. Three patients were lost for follow-up.
In majority of patients (48 %) union occurred in 24 weeks. In 10 patients we had pin site infections.
The functional outcome was studied using Tucker’s Criteria according to which 5 patients (20 %) had
excellent outcomes, 9 patients (33 %) had good outcomes, 8 patients (29 %) had fair outcomes and 3 (16 %)
had poor outcomes.
Discussion Limitation of the present study is the absence of a comparison group, though it was possible
because of the nature of the injuries that these patients had while arriving at the trauma care facility. Another
limitation is the follow-up period. We followed the patients for one year but if we followed the patents
for longer periods we could have assessed the long-term prognosis.
Conclusion The definitive treatment of open tibial fractures especially Type 3B fractures with the Ilizarov
Ring Fixator system is found be optimal and cost-effective. |
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| ISSN: | 1028-4427 2542-131X |