Skeletal Traction Followed by Plaster of Paris vs Open Reduction and Internal Fixation – Comparison of the Functional and Radiological Outcome of the Two Treatment Modalities in Schatzker Type V and VI Tibial Fractures

Abstract

Objective: To compare the functional and radiological outcomes of Schatzker type V and VI tibial fractures for the two currently employed treatment modalities. Methodology: It was a quasi-experimental study conducted at Orthopedics department. Patients were admitted through ER and OPD of Mayo hospital Lahore over a period of 1 year. Total 84 patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups. Patients in Group A were managed with skeletal traction for 2 weeks followed by plaster of Paris back splint applied for next 2 weeks followed by plaster of Paris casting for stabilization of the fracture for another next 4 weeks. Patients in Group B were managed with ORIF by wires, screws or plates. Functional and Radiographic evaluations were performed to assess pain, range of motion weight bearing and fracture union in each follow-up visit Results: In this study functional outcome of patients was significantly better and higher in patients who were treated with ORIF technique Conclusion: ORIF is more effective for treating Schatzker type V and VI tibial fracture in terms of functional and radiological outcome as that skeletal traction followed by plaster of Paris casting.