Reinforced bar-ring Hybrid external fixator combined with limited internal fixation for complex fractures of tibial plateau / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To introduce the experience and analyze the clinical outcome of applica- tion of reinforced bar-ring hybrid external fixator combined with limited internal fixation for complex frac- turcs of tibia plateau in patients.Methods From Aug.2002 to Feb.2005,21 patients with complex fractures of tibial plateau were treated with reinforced bar-ring hybrid external fixatar combined with lim- ited internal fixation.According to Schatzker classification,there were 13 patients with typeⅤfracture and 8 with typeⅥfracture.Voluntary and non-weight beating knee joint motion to partially weight bear- ing was taken one week after operation.Progressive loading was taken continuously until there was clinical evidence of fracture stability and then full weight bearing was done.Results The mean follow-up peri- od was 15.9 months (10-24 months).All the fractures got united and the mean union time was 4.2 months(3-8 months).All the injured knees could extend to less than 5 degrees and flex to more than 90 degrees after rehabilitation.Evaluated by Merchant score system for knee joint,81% of patients achieved excellent healing (7 cases) and good healing (10 cases).Conclusion Operation by using reinforced bar-ring hybrid external fixator combined with limited internal fixation can reduce complications and avoid stiffness of the knee joint.It is an effective method for complex fractures of tibial plateau.