Treatment of the Segmental Fractures of Tibia with Ilizarov External Fixation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To emphasis an effectiveness of the Ilizarov circular external fixator in treatment of the complicated segmental fractures of the tibia MATERIALS AND METHODS: We had analyzed 15 cases in 14 persons, treated from November 1993 to March 2000. We analyzed several considering factors including age, etiology, type of fracture, number of the segmentation, associated injuries, open or closed fracture, healing time, additional bone graft, clinical results and complications. RESULTS: The mean period of follow up was 22 months. The mean age was 45 years. The etiology was traffic accident in 13 persons. Open fracture were 11 cases (73%). Associated injuries were noted in 8 persons (53%). The number of segmentation were three segments in 9 cases (60%) and four segments in 6 cases (40%). Additional manipulations after first application were needed in 10 cases (67%). Bone graft were performed in 5 fracture site (9.8%), proximal fracture site in two and distal in two, middle in one. Mean period of application of external fixator for healing was 8.1 Months. Procedures for soft tissue injuries performed in 3 cases including two split thickness skin graft and distant flap surgery. The results were graded as excellent in 5 cases, good in 2 cases, fair in 1 cases, poor in 7 cases. Limitation of motion in ankle joint was major cause of poor results CONCLUSION: We considered that ilizarov circular external fixator is one of effective treatment modality in treatment of the complicated segmental tibia fractures.