A prospective study of hybrid external fixation for proximal tibial fractures

Abstract

The treatment of proximal tibial fractures or intraarticular fractures are often challenging. Many surgeons encounter problems with wound healing even in closed tibial fractures because of co-existing soft tissue injuries. External fixation of these fractures have yielded satisfactory results, but some studies had reported problems in the achievement and maintenance of fracture reduction. Hybrid external fixator presents with mechanical characteristics that differ from other systems of external fixator. The mechanical characteristics of hybrid external fixation system can be called as SOLID ELASTIC. It is solid enough for stabilization and providing micromotion which enhances good callus formation the purpose of this study is to assess the utility of this hybrid external fixation system and to analyze the functional outcome, soft tissue healing and fracture union.