Application of an external fixator to the open diaphyseal fractures of femur

ABSTRACT

The study on 30 cases of open diaphyseal femoral fractures has been done between January 2008 to November 2008 on patients coming to Orthopaedics Department at Bolan Medical complex Hospital Quetta attached to Bolan Medical College, Quetta. It is a prospective study, which includes 30 patients with open diaphyseal fractures of femur. They were operated after stabilization of general condition using external fixator. It is a valuable clinical treatment option, providing surgeons with the spatial relationship of tissues both statically and dynamically via minimally, technique. The study shows union occurred in 24, 80% cases. There was an established non-union in 06 [20%] cases. All were Type III-A and III-B. The average time of union was from 8-20 weeks. The overall incidence of deep infection was 38% and was limited to type III-A and III-B. Pin crack infection was seen in 36% and was controlled with standard management. The average hospital stat was 15 days On the basis of this study it is evident that treatment by external fixator is very satisfactory, cost effective and there are no major complications and can be used with full confidence. Above all good results can be achieved by aggressive and repeated debridement, irrigation and early soft tissue coverage of the-bone