Twenty cases of pylon fractures were treated with IIizarov circular external fixators using the technique of ligamentotaxis. Fourteen men and six women, ranging in age from 20 to 59 years, with open or closed distal tibial fractures were included in this study. The fractures were classified according to the AO system and distributed as seven C1, eight C2, and five C3 fractures. Independent from the type of fracture, six were grade II open according to the Gustilo-Anderson classification. For all fractures, an external fixator was constructed, after reduction by traction and olive wires. Mean follow-up was 29 months. All fractures healed by 14 weeks postreduction. The results were assessed using Weber's criteria: 5 (25%) had excellent results, 10 (50%) good, and 5 (25%) poor results. This technique lowers the rated complications of open reduction and internal fixation, and allows restoration of joint-surfaces, reconstruction of length, and alignment of the extremity while maintaining a sufficient range of motion at the joint. We concluded that use of the Ilizarov circular external fixator enables good results in selected ankle traumas when applied with good indications, planning, and surgical experience.

No abstract

Fifty-three consecutive children ages 6 to 14 with femur fractures treated with early percutaneous intramedullary fixation were evaluated retrospectively. The operation was performed within 24 hours in 50 patients and in the remainder after 48 hours. All patients were mobilized and allowed full weight-bearing in a functional brace in the early postoperative period. The average hospital stay was 4 days. The average follow-up was 24 months. There were no significant intra- or postoperative complications. An average overgrowth of 1.8 mm was measured using scanogram 24 months after surgery. In the authors' experience, this technique is highly effective for the treatment of children 6 to 14 years old with femur fractures. The main advantages of this method are early weight-bearing, immediate mobilization, short hospitalization, and fewer complications.

This paper presents a 9 year-old girl who had flexion contracture of digits, carpal tunnel syndrome and multiple xanthomas covering the extremities.

No abstract