Results and Complications of Multi Fragment Tibial Shaft Fracture managed by External Fixation: A Developing Country Perspective.

Abstract

Introduction: Tibial fractures are common due to its subcutaneous nature. Road traffic accident (RTA), fall and sports are common mechanisms of injury. Placement of intramedullary rod, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and external fixation are common management options. No consensus has been achieved regarding the best or appropriate management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of multi fragment tibial shaft fractures managed by unilateral closed external fixator.

Materials and methods: A retrospective review of medical records of the patients who underwent closed external fixation for management of multi fragment tibia fracture between June 2014 till January 2020 was undertaken. This study was conducted at Gims Khairpur Mirus..Both male and female patients aged 18 years or above having multi fragment tibia fracture and with a follow up duration of 1 year or more were included. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used for data entry and analysis. Various outcome measures were calculated by application of different descriptive statistics.

Results: Mean age of the patients was 46.17 -£ 17.32 years. Total 123

(87 2%) were males and 18 (12.8%) were females. Out of 141 patients,

124 (87.9%) suffered road traffic accidents (RTA) and 17 (12.1%) suffered had fall. Union was achieved in 105 (74.5%) cases with delayed union in 17 (12.1%) and non-union in 13 (9.2%) cases. Pin tract infection was the most common complication seen in 29 (20.6%) followed by deep venous thrombosis 7 (5.0%) and osteomyelitis 3 (2.1%).

Conclusion: A high rate of union of multi fragment tibia fractures was seen by external fixation with a low complication rate with pin tract infection being the most common complication.