Clinical Study of Functional Outcome of External Fixator Device as a Primary Definitve Treatment of Open Tibia Fracture

Abstract

Background: Open fractures of leg are quite common in Road traffic accidents. The ideal protocol for open
fractures of leg is initial thorough debridement, soft tissue coverage and intramedullary nailing or external
fixator application. External fixator may be later converted to internal fixation with reamed or unreamed
intramedullary nail or left as a definitive treatment.
Methodology: This prospective study was conducted at Rohilkhand Medical College And Hospital from
January 2019 to January 2020 on patients presenting with open tibial fracture. Tubular External Fixator was
used. Total 30 patients were enrolled in this study.
Results: In our study 30 patients were included in which 20 were male and 10 were females with mean
age 32.2 years including children and elderly age group there was no age bar. Mean operative time was 60
minutes. Average time for union was 24 weeks.
Conclusion: External fixation as a primary definitive treatment for open tibial fracture is a cost effective
procedure in developing country with minimal morbidity and mortality.