Management Of Complex Tibial Fractures Research Articles

Salvage of a comminuted proximal tibial polymicrobial infected non-union with antibiotic loaded bio-composite and intramedullary nailing: a case report

Background. Management of open proximal metaphyseal fractures poses a significant challenge and is fraught with complications. These injuries are severe, often accompanied by extensive soft tissue and vascular damage, leading to high risks of infection and long-term disability. Case presentation. A 72-year-old male was severely injured in a road traffic accident. Plain X-rays and CT angiogram identified a comminuted proximal tibial fracture with transection of the popliteal artery and vein. Initial emergency treatment included fasciotomies, external fixation, and vascular primary repair. On the 12th day of admission, the patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with dual plate fixation using a two incision technique. A plastic surgeon performed skin grafting, harvested from the patient’s thigh, to allow closure of his fasciotomy wounds immediately following ORIF. Four weeks post-operatively, the patient developed a wound breakdown over the lateral fasciotomy site, exposing the metal plates with a small defect developing on the medial fasciotomy wound in tandem. The patient’s course was further complicated by persistent polymicrobial infections. Over 6 months of antibiotic regimes, operative intervention was ultimately required. All of the infected metal implants were removed, the non-union sites were aggressively debrided. The tibial canal was reamed to prepare for a tibial nailing. An antibiotic loaded bio-composite was then inserted through the non-union sites into the canal followed by an intramedullary nail. A blocking screw was used to address the procurvatum deformity in the sagittal plane. The patient currently shows signs of recovery, mobilizing over short distances, weight-bearing with assistive aids and with healing wounds and early signs of callus formation on recent CT scans and plain X-rays. Conclusions. The management of complex tibial fractures with vascular involvement demands an aggressive multidisciplinary approach and continuous adaptability in treatment plans to address the evolving challenges of such severe injuries. This case exemplifies the utility of injectable antibiotic-loaded bio-composites in a limb-salvage setting and their ability to provide high doses of local antibiotics to an infection site which, in conjunction with appropriate stable fixation and systemic antibiotics, can aid in eradicating and treating fracture-related infections.

THE BIGGER, THE BETTER? TWO-RING CIRCULAR FRAMES AND DURATION OF TREATMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TIBIAL FRACTURES: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

IntroductionFrame configuration for the management of complex tibial fractures is highly variable and is dependent not only on fracture pattern and soft tissue condition but also surgeon preference. The optimal number of rings to use when designing a frame remains uncertain. Traditionally, larger, stiffer constructs with multiple rings per segment were thought to offer optimal conditions for bone healing, however, the concept of reverse dynamisation questions this approach.Materials & MethodsWe compared clinical outcomes in 302 consecutive patients with tibial fractures treated in our unit with either a two-ring circular frame or a three-or-more-ring (3+) frame. The primary outcome measure was time spent in frame. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of malunion and the need for further surgical procedures to achieve bone union. The groups were evenly matched for age, co-morbidities, energy of injury mechanism, fracture classification, post-treatment alignment and presence of an open fracture.ResultsThe mean time in frame was 168 days for the 2-ring group and 200 days for the 3+ rings group (p=0.003). No significant difference was found in the rate of malunion (p=0.428) or the requirement for secondary surgical intervention to achieve union (p=0.363). No significant difference in time in frame was found between individual surgeons.ConclusionsThis study finds that 2-ring frame constructs are a reliable option associated with significantly shorter duration of treatment and no increase in rates of adverse outcomes compared with larger, more complex frame configurations. Although this study cannot identify the underlying cause of the difference in treatment time between frame designs, it is possible that differences in mechanical stability lead to a more favourable strain environment for fracture healing in the 2-ring group.

Comparative study of the results of compound tibial shaft fractures treated by Ilizarov ring fixators and limb reconstruction system fixators

PurposeIlizarov ring fixator and limb reconstruction system (LRS) fixators have been used in the management of complex tibial fractures with severe soft tissue injuries, compound tibial fractures, and infected tibial nonunion for which conventional internal fixation cannot be contemplated. Fracture union and distraction osteogenesis can be done simultaneously with these external fixators, allowing early weight bearing. Several previous studies have shown almost equal results of rail and ring fixators for the compound tibial shaft fractures. Thus we performed a prospective study to evaluate the union rate, functional outcome and amount of limb lengthening after the treatment of compound tibial shaft fractures with or without infected nonunion by ring or LRS fixators. MethodsThis prospective study was done at Sarojini Naidu Medical College and Hospital, Agra, India and included 32 patients of compound tibial shaft fractures with or without infected nonunion. There were 26 males and 6 females and the average age was 40 years. Patients were randomly divided into two groups (n = 16 for each): one underwent Ilizarov fixation and the other received LRS fixation. Cases were followed up for 3–24 months, 6 months on average from September 2012 to October 2014. Functional and radiological outcomes were assessed using the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria for both rail and ring fixators. ResultsUnion was achieved in all cases. Radiological outcome was found excellent in 68.75%, good in 18.75% and fair in 12.50% of cases treated by rail fixators whereas it was excellent in 56.25%, good in 18.75%, fair in 12.50% and poor in 12.50% of cases treated by ring fixators. Functional result was satisfactory in 75.00% of cases treated by rail fixator and 68.75% of cases treated by ring fixators whereas the corresponding rate of unsatisfactory was 25.00% vs. 31.25%. ConclusionIn our short-term assessment, LRS fixators show a better result than Ilizarov fixators in terms of fracture union and functional outcome with soft tissue care and limb length.

Cost implications of the physiotherapy management of complex tibial fractures treated with circular frames

Seventy-three consecutive patients with complex tibial fractures treated with an Ilizarov frame or Taylor Spatial Frame received physiotherapy between April 2008 and April 2010. Data were collected prospectively, and physiotherapy input was recorded (in minutes) for the patients identified. This included treatment received as an inpatient as well as an outpatient. The data were categorized for proximal, middle and distal third tibial fractures for analysis. The average cost of physiotherapy for an inpatient with an Ilizarov frame is £121.82 per case, whereas that for an outpatient receiving treatment for trauma was calculated as £404.60. The combined average cost of physiotherapy to support treatment of a complex tibial fracture with a fine wire fixator is £546.27. Treatment involving circular frames is complex and expensive, and the high physiotherapy cost is not reflected in Healthcare Resource Group codes. This cost calculation will help service units, and NHS Trusts develop realistic costing plans to support treatment. Cost implications of the physiotherapy management of complex tibial fractures using the Ilizarov technique.

The use of Pin-In-Plaster Technique in The Management of Complex Tibial Fractures, the Calabar Experience

BACKGROUND: This study highlights the difficulties of managing complex limb injuries by specialists working in areas where there are scarce resources and the methods used in overcoming the challenges. METHOD: A retrospective study of methods used in managing type III open tibial factures were analyzed at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital between 1997 and 2001 focusing on the use of the pin in plaster (PIP) technique and conventional external fixators as initial management tools. RESULT: A total of 565 patients were treated for complex open tibial fractures within this period. Eighty-five (15%) of this were treated using Pin-in-plaster method while 25(4%) had conventional External fixation. Others were treated with Traction and or POP application. One hundred patients (18%) left against Medical advice (LAMA). The male: female ratio was 4:1 and they were in the age range 15-75 (mean 36.6) years. The commonest complication encountered was pin tract infection in 12 (48%) of those with external device and 30 (35.3%) in those with PIP. The outcome of treatment was satisfactory in 71% and 64% of PIP and external Fixator respectively while one (1%) patient among those with PIP died of tetanus. CONCLUSION: There is a need to equip our hospitals. Doctors working in the rural areas are to encouraged use this affordable and simple device in the initial management of complex tibial fractures, KEY WORD: Pin in Plaster, External fixation, complex tibial fractures, limb salvage Nigerian Journal of Orthopaedics and Trauma Vol.3(2) 2004: 163-169