Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Proximal Tibial Fracture with Compromised Skin Condition Treated with Ilizarov External Fixator: A Clinical Interventional Study
Introduction: In proximal tibia fractures, the main goal is to achieve accurate reduction and stability without significantly compromising the soft tissue integrity and vascularity. Ilizarov external fixation minimises iatrogenic soft tissue dissection and associated complication and permits ear...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2021-10-01
|
| Series: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/15583/50034_CE[Ra1]_F[SH]_PF1(AG_SHU)_PFA(AG_SHU_KM)_PN(KM).pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: In proximal tibia fractures, the main goal is to
achieve accurate reduction and stability without significantly
compromising the soft tissue integrity and vascularity. Ilizarov
external fixation minimises iatrogenic soft tissue dissection and
associated complication and permits early mobilisation and
weight bearing.
Aim: To describe the clinicoradiological outcome of proximal
tibial fractures with compromised skin condition treated
with ilizarov external fixation with or without minimal internal
fixation.
Materials and Methods: A prospective clinical interventional
study containing 30 cases (23 closed with compromised skin
condition and seven open) of proximal tibia fractures who
were treated with ilizarov external fixator between June 2018
to October 2020 was conducted. After discharge patients
were followed-up at an interval of two weeks after discharge,
and then on monthly basis until fracture union occurred for a
minimum period of 6-12 months. Results were analysed both
clinically and radiologically using Johner and Wruh’s criteria.
Results: In present study of 24 males and six females were
included and their mean age was 39.66±11.32 years. Fracture
union was achieved in all cases with a maximum period of
22 weeks and minimum being 12 weeks on fixator. Average
number of days on fixator was 105. Average range of motion
of knee was 115.52±13.32° with one patient having extension
lag up to 15° and six patients having extension lag up to 10°.
No patient complained of functional knee instability. Pin track
infection occurred in six patients, three patients had joint
stiffness and limb shortening occurred in two patients. Overall
results according to Johner and Wruh’s criteria were excellent in
23 patients, good in five patients and fair in two patients.
Conclusion: Illizarov external fixature is an excellent treatment
method in proximal tibia fracture with compromised skin
condition not immediately amenable to internal fixation. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |