Management Of Tibial Fractures Using The Ilizarov External Fixator

Abstract

Introduction: Thirty tibial fractures that required operative stabilization in 27 patients were treated using the Ilizarov external fixator from 1995 November to December 1997. Patients average aged were 36.8, average followed were 22 months.
Patients and methods: Injuries included 14 closed and 16 open fractures. There were 4 Grade I, 6 grade II and 6 Grade III open fractures according to Gustilo's classification. The average time from trauma to Ilizarov external fixator application was 6 days. Closed fractures were operated when the vital parameters of patients allowed to operation. Serial wound debridements, wet-to-dry dressing changes were used to accomplish wound closure in open fractures.
Results: Average operation time was 110 minutes and average hospitalization period was 10 days. 27 fractures were healed. Clinical bone healing was obtained within an average of 19 weeks. Results were assessed with Criteria of Johner and Wruhs. There were excellent and good 83.4%, fair 6.6% and poor 10%.
Discussion: We suggested that application of the Ilizarov external fixator is easy, effective and less complicated in tibial fractures.