Results of open fractures of tibia treated by external fixator as primary and definitive procedure

Abstract

Unilateral AO external fixator was used as primary and definitive procedure for treatment of open fractures of both bones of leg. There were 37 patients, and according to Gustilo and Anderson classification there were 20 patients in Type II and 9 in type III A and 8 in type III B. Type I and Type II C were excluded from the study. Males were 30 and females were 7. Maximum cases were in the age group 31-40 years (12 patients). The most common level of injury was at middle 1/3 of tibia. There were associated injuries in seven patients. In all the cases initial debridement and unilateral external fixation was applied. In 31 cases primary closure was done after ensuring the viability of the soft tissues and skin. Secondary closure was done in six cases. Flap cover was given in three cases and skin grafting in three cases. Release incision was done in two cases. The patients were followed for union of fracture; function of the limb and for complications. Fractures in 36 patients united by 10 to 24 weeks with an average of 16 weeks. The complications encountered were, non-union in one, loss of reduction in three, Pin track infection in 8, osteomyelitis in one patient.