ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Minerva Ortopedica e Traumatologica 1999 February;50(1):15-8

Copyright © 1999 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

The external fixation in the treatment of high-energy tibial shaft fractures

Pasquali M., Aloj D., Boschetti A.

Background. In this study the results obtained with the apparatus of external fixation in the treatment of high-energy tibial shaft fractures are evaluated.
Methods. In a ten-year period, between 1986 and 1996, a series of 118 fresh tibial shaft fractures was operatively treated with this technique in the 1st Department of Traumatology of the University of Turin; 104 fractures were reviewed. Sixty-one tibial fractures occurred in polytraumatized patients (51.69%); the series included 57 closed and 61 open tibial shaft fractures. Altogether 115 unilateral fixator and 3 round type Ilizarov were used.
Results. Ninety-six per cent (100) of the fractures had an excellent end result, with an average healing time of 178 days; pseudo-arthrosis occurred in 4 fractures (3.85%), three fractures ended up with dysmetria between 15-2.5 cm (2.8%). Axial deformity exceeding 10° occurred in 6 patients (5.75%), ankle rigidity occurred in 4 patients (3.85%). The mean stay in hospital is 35.8 days.
Conclusions. The results suggest that the unilateral and round apparatus of external fixation solves immediate and later problems of high-energy tibial shaft fracture.