Outcome of hybrid external fixator in the treatment of open distal tibia fractures

Abstract

Distal tibia fractures are very common in day-to-day practise. Because one-third of the tibia is subcutaneous throughout most of its length and its location, it is more prone to open fractures.Distal tibia fractures (mostly due to RTA, sports injuries) include extra-articular fracture of the metaphysis and intra-articular pilon fractures. Treatment depends on the closeness to the tibial plafond, displacement of the fracture, comminution, and injury to the soft tissue envelope.The goal of treatment is to obtain a healed, well-aligned fracture; pain-free weight-bearing; and functional range of motion of the knee and ankle. 17 patients of the 18–60-year age group with open distal tibia fractures (without vascular injury) of less than 3 weeks old of trauma were included in the prospective study of 1 year period (1 June 2019 to 31 May 2020). All cases were treated with the Hybrid external fixator (HEF).The mean duration of surgery was 67.6 minutes. All fractures united with a mean time of 16.5 weeks. The mean AOFAS score at 6 months was 84.59. A good-excellent functional outcome was seen in 88.25% of the cases. There was 1 case of valgus deformity and 4 cases of pin-tract infections. HEF is effective in the treatment of open distal tibia fractures as it provides stable fracture fixation, early joint motion, and weight-bearing with minimal complications without jeopardizing the status of soft tissue condition.