Abstract: Introduction: Tibial plateau fractures are common due to high energy injuries. The principles of treatment include respect for the soft tissues, restoring the congruity of the articular surface and reduction of the anatomic alignment of the lower limb to enable early movement of the knee joint. There are various surgical fixation methods that can achieve these principles of treatment.
Aim: To study the functional outcome and role of hybrid external fixators in complex tibial plateau fractures.
Methods: 50 Patients with Schatzker type V fractures and Schatzker type VI closed plateau fractures and Compound tibial fracture Grade I and IIIB were treated with both closed reduction and hybrid external fixation or with minimal open reduction and a hybrid system. Functional outcome were assessed with NEER’s scoring system.
Results: Out of 50 cases 20 cases were type 5 and 30 cases were type 6 Schatzker and the average NEER scoring for them were 17.50 and 14.25 respectively. Most common complication is pin site infection, overcame by regular dressing and Knee stiffness. NEER’s Rating score rating system for knee the 52% patients had excellent and 36% patients had good outcome.
Conclusion: The hybrid external fixator method we had applied is safe as regards of soft tissue healing and the limited number of complications associated directly to this method of application.
