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Abstract
Sixty-eight closed tibial shaft fractures were treated with an anterior unilateral
external fixator over a 5 year period (1986–1991). Pin tract drainage and/or infection
was seen in ![Math Eq]()
pins. The total number of secondary operations, excluding planned pin extraction,
during fracture healing was 61 (including 22 due to pin tract problems and 25 secondary
corrections of alignment). Delayed union was seen in 14 fractures and non-union in
three. Healing disturbances were more frequent following high-energy trauma. Bone
grafting was done in 14 fractures. Eventually, all fractures healed within an average
of 22 weeks. There were three refractures. At follow-up, on average 3 years after
injury, functional results were excellent in 41 per cent, good in 46 and acceptable
in 13 per cent. Due to the high number of unplanned secondary operations and prolonged
healing times we do not consider the use of unilateral external fixation to be an
adequate method for the treatment of closed tibial shaft fractures. The poor results
are probably due to weight-bearing being too high in these patients relative to the
mechanical stability provided by the external fixator system.
pins. The total number of secondary operations, excluding planned pin extraction,
during fracture healing was 61 (including 22 due to pin tract problems and 25 secondary
corrections of alignment). Delayed union was seen in 14 fractures and non-union in
three. Healing disturbances were more frequent following high-energy trauma. Bone
grafting was done in 14 fractures. Eventually, all fractures healed within an average
of 22 weeks. There were three refractures. At follow-up, on average 3 years after
injury, functional results were excellent in 41 per cent, good in 46 and acceptable
in 13 per cent. Due to the high number of unplanned secondary operations and prolonged
healing times we do not consider the use of unilateral external fixation to be an
adequate method for the treatment of closed tibial shaft fractures. The poor results
are probably due to weight-bearing being too high in these patients relative to the
mechanical stability provided by the external fixator system.To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
February 20,
1995
Identification
Copyright
© 1995 Published by Elsevier Inc.
