Evaluation of Ilizarov technique in the treatment of open fractures of tibia

Abstract

Background: Now a day, open fracture of tibia is a common occurrence in the orthopedic treatment arena. Fundamentally, open fractures of tibia are classified into type I, II, IIIA, IIIB and IIIC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Ilizarov technique in the treatment of open fractures of tibia.Methods: This was an observational prospective study conducted in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Northern International Medical College& Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from January 2017 to December 2017. Thirty-six (36) patients with tibial fractures were selected as the study population. This study was approved by the ethical committee of the respective medical college.Results: Out of total 36 participants, 65% were males and 35% were female. In analyzing mode of injuries, we found the highest 80.56% participants were from road accidents followed by 11.11% from sports injury and rest only 8.33% from general falls. The duration of treatment with the fixator was 12-23 weeks (average 16 weeks). In our study total 36 cases were debrided on the same day and stabilized with Ilizarov ring faxator after a period of 5 to 12 days from the date of injury. The operation time ranged from 90 minutes to 120 minutes (Mean 102±4 minutes). Conclusions: In this study no case developed deep infection, non-union or unacceptable mal-union. The construct through Ilizarov is stable and enables the patient to bear weight on the affected limb a short time after the surgery, even in cases of comminuted fractures.