Hybrid external fixator as primary fixation in the management of proximal tibia fractures in low resource setting –our experience

Abstract

Tibial plateau fractures consists of 1% of all fractures. The goals in management of such fractures are anatomical reduction and maintaining joint congruity,stable fixation of fracture fragments, restoration of joint alignment with minimal soft tissue dissection and early mobilization.The purpose of the study is to highlight the technique and assess the utility and functional outcome of hybrid external fixation in periarticular fractures of tibia.A prospective study to determine the functional and radiological outcome of hybrid external fixation in management of periarticular fractures of proximal tibia which included both open (Gustilo Anderson IIIA &B) and closed injuries(Shatzker 5 &6) at our institution. 81 patients with 36 months follow up showed excelled and good outcome in 88% with Rasmussen’s knee score using hybrid external fixator as primary modality of treatment with less than 20% of cases requiring additional procedures and all cases united and there was no case of non union.The hybrid external fixator provides proper osseous stability without compromising the soft tissue and allows early mobilization which results in good functional outcome.