The treatment of adult segmented tibial shaft fractures with ilizarov circular external fixator

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to determine the outcomes of patients with tibial segmental (type C) fractures that were treated with Ilizarov circular external fixators primarily. Material and Methods: The present study included 10 male patients. The mean age was 35 years (18-75 years). All fractures were type C according to AO/ATO classification. Nine out of them were open fractures, whereas one was closed fracture. Open fractures were classified according to Gustilo-Anderson classification. The mean time between onset of injury and operation was 17,8 days (11-27 days). The mean follow-up was 37 months (21-68 months). Clinical outcomes were assessed according to Karstrom-Olerud criteria. Results: Complete union was achieved in 9 fractures. Infected nonunion developed in only one patient. Twenty-nine out of 110 pins used (26.4%) had pin tract infections (15 were grade 1; 9 were grade 11; 5 were grade 3). There was no neurological complication such as peroneal nerve palsy. Clinical results according to Karstrom-Olerud criteria were good in 4 patients, satisfactory in 2 patients, fair in 3 patients, poor in 1 patient. Conclusion: Besides several disadvantages of circular external fixator, closed reduction with concomitant fixation with circular external fixator is an efficient treatment method for the management of open or closed tibial segmental shaft fractures.