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National Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics
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Impact FactorRJIF: 3.25

2021, Vol. 5 Issue 1, Part B
A prospective interventional study of external fixator and delta frame as primary and definitive mode of treatment for open tibial fractures
Author(s): Manjunath S Japatti and Pavith T Janardhan
Abstract: 
Background: Open tibial fractures are most common injuries involving the lower limb. Most of the injuries are due to high energy impact occurring during RTA. Fractures are associated with multiple soft tissue injuries and skin loss leading to high chance of infection and non-union, need for multiple procedures. Managing these fractures with external fixators including delta frame along with debridement were the standard procedure. This study aims at analysing the use of external fixators as definitive mode of treatment and occurrence of complications.
Methods: This is a prospective interventional study of 30 cases of open tibial diaphyseal fracture treated surgically with ex fix and assessed for functional outcome and complications. Which were admitted to Lalith orthopaedic hospital Chincholi between 2015 to 2017. External fixator and delta frames were used for fracture fixation with debridement. Outcome analysed at the end taking into consideration of time to union, complications and need for reoperation.
Results: All 30 patients were achieved union with external fixation and delta frame alone. Overall mean union time was 24 weeks. Time to union along with complications were more for type III B fractures. 33% (1 case out of 3) proximal fracture showed varus malunion.34% (2 cases out of 7) of distal third fracture showed valgus malunion.12 cases (40%) developed superficial pin tract infection irrespective of Gustilo Anderson classification. Ankle stiffness noted in distal third shaft fracture managed with delta frame.
Conclusions: Debridement and external fixation for diaphyseal fracture tibia and delta frame for distal third extra articular tibia fracture can serve as definitive treatment modality provided anatomical reduction achieved with no bone loss. Ankle stiffness was reported in all post delta frame ankle immobilization raising need for physiotherapy immediately after frame removal. Ex fix as a definitive fixation reduces the risk of multiple staged operative procedures which are usually conducted after settling of soft tissue injuries.
Pages: 109-113  |  651 Views  83 Downloads
How to cite this article:
Manjunath S Japatti, Pavith T Janardhan. A prospective interventional study of external fixator and delta frame as primary and definitive mode of treatment for open tibial fractures. Nat J Clin Orthop 2021;5(1):109-113 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33545/orthor.2021.v5.i1b.294
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