Abstract

• From March 1996 to March 1999, thirty two cases of comminuted tibial fractures were treated with Ilizarov external fixator. 13 cases were closed fractures and 19 cases open fractures. Among 19 open fractures, there were 3 cases of Gustilo type I, 10 cases of type II and 6 cases of type III fractures. All the cases could not be initially treated by open reduction and internal fixation because of open wound or severe comminution. Among 32 cases, 4 were tibial condyles, 22 were tibial shafts, 6 were tibial plafonds. All the cases were followed up from a minimum 12 months up to 35 months with an dverage of 22 months. We obtained satisfactory bony union in ail cases with the average duration of 18.1 weeks. Bone graft was done initially in two cases. Numerous complications were encountered, most commonly, joint stiffness and pin tract infection were developed but they were treated well. To avoid such complications, careful management was needed. According to Tuckers clafsification, the result was graded as excellent in 8, good in 18, fair in 4 and poor in 2 cases. We conclude that Ilizarov external fixatior is a very useful method for initial treatment in getting reduction, maintenance of reduction, early ambulation and fracture healing in cases of communited tibial fractures whether open or closed.
• Key words: Tibial fracture, Comminuted, Ilizarov external fixation

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