Hybrid External Fixation for Periarticular or Segmental Fractures of Tibia

Han, Hong Jun; Kim, Yeung Jin; Kim, Jae Myoung

Abstract

PURPOSE
To analyze the clinical outcomes of the hybrid external fixation which is more comfortable and simply appliable than Ilizarov fixator MATERIAL AND METHOD: 28-patients of periarticular or segmental tibia fracture from may 1998 to october 1999 were treated with hybrid external fixator (AnyFix®)that was invented by authors. It consists of two rings at epiphysis(full or 2/3 ring), 3 or 4 rods connecting 2 rings, K-wires, half pins, and specially designed push pins and crane pins which can be used as a reduction device and fixation pins. And it was used as a definitive modality. Joint exercise was started immediately after operation and partial weight bearing was permitted 4 weeks after initial application. RESULT: The average time of bone union was 4.7 months, articular step-off of all cases were less than 1 mm. As a complication, there was no limitation of range of motion except one case of 10° dorsiflexion limitation of the ankle, and 1 case of deep wound infection. Clinical assesments of knee and ankle joint showed 14 cases of excellent, 9 cases of good, 3 cases of fair in total 26 cases of proximal or distal tibia fracture except 2 infected non-union.
CONCLUSION
Hybrid external fixation is effective method for periarticular or segmental tibia fracture and it gives simple applicability, firm stability and much less discomfort.