Abstract: These days RTA and violence are on the rise and accounting for more cases of trauma in which bony injuries are common. Fracture of the tibial shaft is due to its subcutaneous location is very often involved in this kind of injuries. This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of an external fixator as a primary and definitive treatment for open tibia fractures, fractures with severe soft tissues injuries, threatened compartment syndrome, and in multiply injured patients [1]. Intramedullary nailing is considered the method of choice for the treatment of closed diaphyseal fractures of long bones. However, there is controversy in the literature regarding the best way of managing open type II and type III fractures, tibial shaft fractures with severe soft tissue injuries or compartment syndrome, multiply injured patients.
Material and Methods: A total of 16 patients who satisfied our inclusion and exclusion criteria were taken and were treated with AO external fixator as primary or secondary to failed Intramedullary nailing. Patients were assessed radiologically and clinically.
Results: as per the clinical parameters of Karlstrom and Olerud, 37% of patients had excellent outcomes, 31% had a good outcome, 18% had fair outcomes and 12% had a poor outcomes. Conclusion: Meticulously, primary wound debridement at the earliest is an absolute. Which augments prognosis and prevents complications. An external fixator is now an accepted, reliable and convenient method to manage open Long Bones fracture.
