Systematic Review for Evaluation of Ilizarov External Fixator in Treatment of Open Fracture of Tibial Shaft

Abstract

Background Tibial shaft fractures are one of the most common long bone fractures. Open fracture tibial shaft is common between those fracture. The Ilizarov external fixator (IEF) is a minimally invasive method that permits effective wound management, early weight-bearing, and bone lengthening. Aim of the Work We aim to systematically review the Ilizarov external fixator in the treatment of open fracture of the tibial shaft. Material and Methods Regarding the methodology of our study, we followed the PRISMA statement guidelines during this study preparation and performed all steps according to the Cochrane handbook of systematic reviews of intervention. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science, Embase, and Science Direct in June 2021 and updated the search in July 2021 using relevant Keywords. Results We found a significant difference regarding the outcome of operation time. IEF consumed more time than the other different approaches. The analysis favored IEF over other different approach regarding the overall postoperative excellent to good improvement. No significant different was found between both IEF and other approaches regarding the union time (per months) as well as the risk of reoperation. The postoperative superficial infection was the at the same risk between IEF and other different approaches, However, there is no significant difference regarding risk in postoperative deep infection after IEF. The overall postoperative infection rate was increased after IEF. No significant difference was found regarding the risk of either non-union or malunion rate, postoperative healing, and deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Conclusion We concluded that the IEF can be considered reliable alternative techniques over other techniques. The analysis demonstrated that it is possible to successfully treat diaphyseal tibial fractures using the Ilizarov method, a minimally invasive technique allowing immediate weight-bearing.