Treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures using Ilizarov technique

Abstract

Complex tibial plateau fractures are most commonly caused by high-energy trauma and they are often associated with severe soft tissue injuries that can frequently result in severe complications. Ilizarov external circular fixation is an ideal method of treatment for high- energy fractures of the tibial plateau when extensive soft tissue dissection and internal fixation are contraindicated. Our research included 50 consecutive patients and clinical features of the patients were evaluated during the follow up period using the following instruments: Gustillo-Anderson, Sc- hatzker and Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/ OTA) classification methods. Bony results were evaluated using the Association of the Study and Application of the Method ofIlizarov (ASAMI) protocol. The mean functional recovery scores were obtained by the modified functional evaluation system of Karlstrom-Olerud. All fractures healed successfully. Circular fixators could be removed without anesthesia for type IV fractures at 16 weeks (range 12-21) and for type V-VI at 18 weeks (range 15-26) after the operation. According to ASA- MI bone results, there were 39 (78%) excellent, 7 (14%) good, 3 (6%) fair results and 1 (2%) poor result. Analysis of data obtained by the Karlstrom-Olerud functional evaluation system in this study yielded a mean value of 24.7 after six months, which implies recovery. Functional recovery at 12 months after surgery revealed satisfactory recovery with a mean value of 27.7, whereas the mean sco- re of 29.8 recorded at the last evaluation suggested good functional status. The treatment of patients with open and closed multiple intra-articular fractures of proximal tibia applying Ilizarov apparatus showed good functional outcome, which had positive impact on our patients' quality of life.