Interest of circular external fixator in orthopaedic in low-income country

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the indications of Ilizarov's technique in orthopedic trauma and their results. Material and method: The study involved a retrospective multicenter cohort. It included patients treated with Ilizarov's technique between July 2014 and September 2019 and followed through to recovery. The analysis focused on types of lesions, intraoperative data, complications, cure and failure rates. Only the pins were the responsibility of the patient and cost between 60,000 to 120,000 CFA (91, 5 -183 euros). Results: Forty-seven patients were treated. The average age was 37.4 years. Males represented 63.8%. The main diagnoses were: tibial fractures (n = 31; 65.9%), including 14 fractures of the tibial plateau; vicious ankle calluses (3; 6.4%); loss of bone substances (3; 6.4%). The main interventions carried out were: Osteosynthesis (n = 34; 72.3%); ankle arthrodesis (n = 5; 10.6%); equine varus foot correction (n = 4; 8.5%). The average duration of an intervention was 130.5 min. the average ablation time was 98.7 days. The cure rate was 95.6%. The main complications were: infection on a spindle (n = 11; 23.4%); pain (n = 6; 12.8%), stiff knee (n = 7; 15.9%). Conclusion:The rate of positive results is similar to that observed in the literature. Ilizarov's external fixator has achieved satisfactory results for complex leg and ankle injuries at a reduced cost.