A prospective study of hybrid external fixation for proximal tibial fractures

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Intraarticular fractures of the tibial plateau and periarticular fractures of the proximal tibia, caused by high energy trauma pose a therapeutic dilemma. We present the use of hybrid external fixation system which includes Ilizarov ring fixator and AO rod external fixator connected with indigenously manufactured connecting clamps and short shafts augmented with or without minimal internal fixation1. AIM OF THE STUDY: 1. To assess the performance of the Hybrid External Fixator in the treatment of different types of proximal tibial fractures. 2. To evaluate the functional outcome, soft tissue healing and fracture union and radiological outcome. 3. To evaluate the biomechanical and biological advantage of hybrid external fixator. BIOMECHANICS : The mechanical characteristics of hybrid external fixation system can be called as SOLID ELASTIC. It gives solid enough for stabilization and providing micromotion which enhances good callus formation. MATERIALS: From August 2010 to November 2011, 21 caes of periarticular fractures of the proximal tibia were treated by use of 5/8 th Ilizarov ring, AO tubular external fixator and with indigenously manufactured connecting clamps & short shaft in a hybrid mode. All cases were prospectively followed up and studied. Almost all the cases (99%) had sustained Road traffic Accidents (high velocity injuries) except one case which had sustained injury by fall of cement wall over her leg. Minimum follow up – 1.5 months , maximum follow up – 12 months, mean follow up – 6.42 months .All the patients were in the age group of 26 to 65 years, mean age is 43.09. METHOD: SELECTION OF CASES: Inclusion Criteria: 1. Tibial plateau fractures according to Schatzkar classificafion Type 4, Type 5 and Type 6. 2. Proximal 1/4 extra articular tibial fractures (severely comminuted) 3. Open Proxial tibial fractures according to Gustillo Anderson Classification Gr 2, Gr 3A, 3B, 3C 4. Proximal tibial fracture with compartment syndrome after Fasciotomy. 5. High velocity proximal tibial fracture in impending compartment syndrome. Exclusion Criteria : 1. Schatzkar type 1 , type 2 and type 3. 2. More than 2 weeks old fractures. 3. Proximal tibial fractures with neurological disorder. 4. Proximal tibial fractures with paralytic disorder. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Reduce the articular surface initially. Determine the wire position. Minimum of 2 0r 3 wires are needed. Position the wires in the safe zone. Wire should be inserted 14 mm distal to the tibial plateau so that the capsule will not be pierced by wires.Each wire should be placed 30 – 50 degrees wide apart as possible. Olive wires are used to reduce and compress the fragments.place the shanz screws and assemble the frame. RESULTS: After analyzing the above characters we have obtained. Excellent results in 7 patients ( 33. 3% ), Good in 9 (42.35% ), Fair in 4 (19.04% ), Failure in 1(4.76% ) patient. CONCLUSION : The hybrid external fixator method we have applied is safe as regards of soft tissue healing and the limited number of complications associated directly to this method of application. We recommend a mini open reduction with percutaneous cannulated cancellous screw (one or two for securing interfragmentary compression) or olive wires with hybrid external fixator. This is the best method for closed (Schatzkar type 4, 5, 6) as well as open proximal tibial fractures.