Case Series of Tibial Plateau Fracture Treated Using Illizarov External Fixator – Functional and Radiological Outcome

Abstract

Introduction: Tibia plateau fracture consist of 1% of the total fractures caused by road vehicle accident. It is commonly associated with high energy trauma and usually presented either as open fracture or closed fractures with poor soft tissue condition. External fixation is commonly used in higher grade open fracture due to high risk of infection but conventional external fixator is not suitable as it is unable to address intra articular fractures. Illizarov external fixator uses olive wires to achieve compression of the intra-articular fragments and hence a better option. Case series: 8 cases of tibia plateau fracture treated in our institution from January 2019 to December 2020. 7 cases completed treatment but one patient deceased before the treatment was completed due to medical reason. The objective of the studies is to assess the functional and radiological outcome of tibia plateau fracture using IEF. It was performed clinically using knee injury and osteoarthritis score (KOOS) and radiologically using Rasmussen score during the 1st month follow up after the removal of the IEF. The mean KOOS score is 82% and the mean Rasmussen radiological score is 14. Conclusion: Illizarov external fixator is a good choice for treatment of tibia plateau fracture due to its various advantages.