The Ilizarov Method for the Treatment of Open Intraarticular Fractures around the Knee Joint: Clinical Analysis of 6 Cases

Choi, Chang Hyouk; Kwun, Koing Woo; Kim, Shin Kun; Lee, Sang Wook; Kim, Yong Joo

Abstract

There are many difficulties in treating open intraarticular fracture around the knee joint because of its combined neurovascular injury and comminution of fracture site. The difficulties lie in choosing a fixation method, postoperative care, and analyzing the results of the treatment. Recently there is growing preference in using Ilizarov apparatus. The merits of Ilizarov in fracture treatment are early weight bearing and easy compression and distraction. In cases of this study, difficulties were subclassified into problems, obstacles. and complications. Six cases of open intraarticular fracture around the knee joint were treated from Mar., 1993 to Aug.,1994 and the average follow up period was twenty months and the results were as follows: 1. Of the six patients, there were five males and one female patients. 2. The cause of the fractures was traffic accident in five and crushing injury in one. 3. Of the six cases, five cases were combined femoral and tibial fractures and one case was only femoral condylar fracture. 4. In follow up study, there was thirty cases of difficulties such as pin site problem, pain, limitation femotion, and nonunion etc. 5. Of the seventy-four wires, pin site problem occurred at twenty pins but open wounds were cured without infection evidence. 6. The results were poor in all cases. 7. The Ilizarov technique requires adequate implantation and management to reduce an overall complication rate and improve functional results.