Retrospective study of open tibial diaphyseal fractures type IIIA and IIIB by Ilizarov method

Background and objective: Open tibial fracture with or without bone loss in gustilo Anderson type IIIA and IIIB has been a challenge for most orthopaedic surgeons. Open tibial fracture is more prone for infection, non union and longer morbidity. In this study, we have evaluated the results of 34 patients with open tibial fracture GA type IIIA and IIIB by Ilizarov method in retrospective manner. An attempt has been made to review the literature for the results of Ilizarov external fixator for open diaphyseal fracture and compare our results with standard studies. Methods: In this retrospective study, 34 patients who are fulfilling our inclusion and exclusion criteria from Mumbai port trust hospital during the period of Dec 2012 to April 2016, treated for open tibial fracture by Ilizarov external fixator. Bone and functional results were evaluated using Tucker’s criteria and Johners and wruh’s criteria. Results: Results were assessed using Tucker score and Johner and wruh’s criteria and 91.1% had excellent to good result and 8.9% had fair to poor results using Tucker’s criterion and 30 (88.23%) cases had excellent to good results and 4 (11.77%) cases had poor results using Johner and Wruh’s criterion. Conclusion: Ilizarov method is one of the method to treat open tibial fractures, advantages being the early weight bearing and treating infection, bone loss, fracture union and wound problem at the same time.