J Korean Fract Soc.  2001 Jul;14(3):412-418. 10.12671/jksf.2001.14.3.412.

Treatment of Open Tibial Fracture with Repofix External Fixator

• Choi H
• Kim H
• Shin NC
• Shin SH
• Han DS

• KMID: 1898476
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jksf.2001.14.3.412

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of treatment of open tibial fracture with Repofix external fixator by clinical and radiological assessement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 24 cases of open tibial fracture, who had been treated with Repofix external fixator from Oct. 1995 to June 1999, were evaluated about distribution of gender, age, cause of injury, fracture site and pattern, and assessed bony union time and complication.
RESULTS
The mean period of application of external fixator was 12.3 weeks and we kept PTB cast until bony union for average 11.5 weeks. According to Gustilo-Anderson's classification, the mean bony union time was 21.7 w e e k s ( type I ), 36 weeks(type II) and 39 weeks(type III), simple fracture was 22 weeks, comminuted fracture was 32 weeks(p<0.05). Complications were pin site infection(9 cases), delayed union(3 cases), nonunion(1 cases) and focal skin necrosis(1 case). There was no loss of motion about joint.
CONCLUSION
Repofix external fixator, which has the advantages of accurate reduction without extension of wound and decreases motion limitation of neighboring joint, is alternative useful appratus for open tibial fracture.

Keyword

Tibia; Open fracture; Repofix external fixator

MeSH Terms

Classification
External Fixators*
Fractures, Comminuted
Fractures, Open
Joints
Skin
Tibia
Tibial Fractures*
Wounds and Injuries