Abstract: Background: Outcomes of management of high energy distal third tibial fractures are not satisfactory and associated with complications. So use of external fixator is increased in recent years for distal third tibia fractures. We intend to study the utility of external fixators in high energy distal third tibial fractures.
Materials and Methods: This is retrospective observational study included 38 patients who underwent close reduction and external fixation with Augmented Wagners external fixator or Aesculap external fixator(unilateral) or Hybrid external fixator for lower third tibial fractures in between 2009 and 2015.
Results: The Olerud C and Molander H ankle score was excellent in 44.73% (n=17), good in 31.57% (n=12), fair in 15.78% (n=6) and poor in 7.89% (n=3). The ankle range of movement was near normal in 94.73% cases except in 2 patients where stiffness was encountered. The average duration of union was 6 months and 89% (n=34) of fractures united within 7 months. P value <0.05(0.066) was not considered significant.
Conclusion: External Fixators with or without limited percutaneous internal fixation is a reliable method for stabilization of high energy (Tscherne 2 and 3, compound) lower third tibial fractures. It’s a good alternative to other methods of fixation in lower third tibia fracture.
