Hybrid External Fixation and Limited Internal Fixation for Severe Open Tibial Shaft Fractures

Han, Hong Jun; Chae, Soo Uk; Jeung, Ul Oh

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiographic and clinical results of severe open tibial shaft fracture treated by hybrid external fixation and limited internal fixation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We reviewed 25 patients open tibial shaft fracture(> or =Gustillo classification type II) which were treated with hybrid external fixation(AnyFixR) that was invented by authors and limited internal fixation between June 1998 to June 2001. 20 males and 5 females were minimum follow up period of 12 months(12-27 months). The mean age was 45 old years(11-72 old years). The results were based on the assessment radiographical analysis with duration of bony union, delayed union including of states of nonunion and malunion, clinical analysis with pain, joint range of motion, wound infection and skin & soft tissue coverage. All fractures were classified according to the Gustilo classification, there were 6 cases of type II, 9 cases of type IIIa and 10 cases of type IIIb. The cause of injury, there were 18 cases of motor vehicle accident, 5 cases of direct trauma and 2 cases of fall from height.
RESULTS
In twenty-five cases, fifteen had union, the average time of bone union was 6.8 months and additional bone graft without change of external fixator performed in ten cases, but one case have failed and then change of intramedullary nail with bone graft. In the group of bone graft, bone union was completed at mean 8.7 months. According to the clinical analysis, no pain in the fracture site, in complications, there were 2 cases of mild joint range of motion that has acceptable result and 2 cases of wound infection were treated with effective antibiotics theraphy and wound dressing. Five cases need to coverage of the open wound, 3 cases were flap operation and each case were muscle transfer, skin graft without change of external fixator.
CONCLUSION
The use of hybrid external fixation and limited internal fixation in severe open tibial shaft fracture to be successful for the stabilization of fracture and subsequent plastic and/or orthopaedic procedure for muscle and skin coverage, bone grafting are more easily accomplished without change of external fixator.