Mid-term Results of Distal Tibial Fractures Treated with Ilizarov External Fixator

Abstract Background Peripheral nerve block is preferable for lower extremity surgery because it sufficiently blocks pain pathways at different levels providing excellent anaesthesia at the site of surgery. We designed this study to compare the efficacy and safety of SOFT block (sciatic-obturator-femoral technique) compared with spinal anaesthesia in patients undergoing surgery for fixation of open tibial fractures using Ilizarov external fixator. Methods One hundred and seven patients ASA I, II scheduled for fixation of open tibial fractures using Ilizarov external fixator. The patients were randomly allocated to receive either spinal anaesthesia or SOFT block. In spinal anaesthesia group, patients received spinal anaesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (7. 5-10mg). In SOFT group, patients received SOFT block with bupivacaine 0.25%. Primary endpoint included the duration of analgesia. The secondary endpoints included patient satisfaction scores, visual analogue scores, incidence of adverse events as vomiting, systemic toxicity from local anaesthetic drug and time to first effect of the techniques. Results The duration of SOFT block and time to first analgesic dose in SOFT group was significantly longer (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the study groups regarding satisfaction scores, the incidence of cardiovascular collapse, seizures and paraesthesia. Pain scores were significantly lower in SOFT group at 3,6,12 h postoperative (p < 0.001). The time to the first effect was significantly longer in SOFT group (p < 0.001). Conclusion SOFT is a feasible technique of local anaesthesia for control of postoperative pain with unremarkable adverse events compared with spinal anaesthesia, in patients undergoing fixation of tibial fractures using Ilizarov external fixator. Trial registration This trial was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. registry number: NCT03450798 on February 20, 2018.

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Ankle spanning external fixator with limited internal fixation for distal tibial extra-articular fractures

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences ◽

10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20174557 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (10) ◽

pp. 4355

Author(s):

Siddharth Goel ◽

Abhay Elhence

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

Internal Fixation ◽

External Fixation ◽

External Fixator ◽

Tibial Fractures ◽

Fixation Method ◽

Ankle Pain ◽

Distal Tibial Fractures ◽

Tract Infections

Background: Fractures of the distal tibia are among the most difficult fractures to treat. The short distal segment presents difficulty in choosing the appropriate fixation method. The greatest challenge lies in the relatively tight soft tissue around the ankle. As a result, it has been a recent interest in treating these fractures with external fixation and limited internal fixation. The external stable fixation methods used are tubular or ring fixators, with or without immobilising the ankle. This minimally invasive nature of the surgery can avoid catastrophic wound complications like dehiscence, implant exposure and infection.Methods: 18 patients with extra-articular distal tibial fractures (AO Type 43A) were treated with the technique of ankle spanning external fixation. Lag screws or K-wires were supplemented for limited internal fixation when required. Fibula was stabilised in all cases. Intra- articular and Compound fractures were excluded. In addition to union at fracture site, ankle pain and motion was noted in each follow-up.Results: The mean follow-up was 25 months. Of the 18 patients included all but one fractures united with an average healing time of 16 to 18 weeks. Ankle pain and motion was graded according to Mazur modified by Teeny and Wiss clinical scoring system. 15 of them had excellent or good results, 2 had fair results. One patient had poor result. Five pin tract infections occurred. 17 patients had no evidence of osteoarthritis after completing follow up of at least 2 years.Conclusions: Distal tibial fractures are complex injuries, not only regarding the bony component, but also in terms of the management of the soft tissue problem. Ankle Spanning External Fixator with Limited Internal fixation is a relatively simple and cost-effective method for treating these fractures, achieving union and also maintaining ankle function.

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