Open Trimalleolar Fractures Treated with Ilizarov External Fixator

Abstract

The Ilizarov method allows for early and definitive treatment of open trimalleolar fractures with a low risk of complications and a good clinical outcome.

A Case of “Nonunion Distal Tibia and Fibula Malleoli Fracture with Lateral Malleoli Fracture” Treated with Ilizarov: A Case Report

“…Elderly diabetic patients with bony fractures are more prone to complications such as non-union, infection, delayed bone healing, and bed sores, which threaten the patient’s life. Ilizarov fixator reduces the risk of complications due to minimal soft-tissue handling, minimal blood loss, and early mobilization [ 7 - 10 ]. Incidence of post-operative surgical site wound infection is less in external fixation as compared to open reduction with internal fixation, especially in elderly diabetic patients [ 10 - 12 ].…”

“…Ilizarov fixator reduces the risk of complications due to minimal soft-tissue handling, minimal blood loss, and early mobilization [ 7 - 10 ]. Incidence of post-operative surgical site wound infection is less in external fixation as compared to open reduction with internal fixation, especially in elderly diabetic patients [ 10 - 12 ]. Thus early mobilization and reduced post-operative complications make the Ilizarov external fixator more feasible for the elderly diabetic patient, especially in distal tibia and fibula fractures which lack adequate blood supply.…”

Ilizarov Technique in Acute Ankle Trauma: A Report of Fourth Cases

“…In the UK ankle injury occurs in 90,000 people per year [2], in France fractures of this zone were observed in 125 cases per 100,000 people per year [3]. Among the surgical methods of fixing fractures of the ankle joint area and damaging of tibiofibular syndesmosis, there are a number of ways: by internal fixation (wires, plates, screws, intramedullary nailing) [4][5][6][7] and by different external fixators [8]. Unfortunately, complications can often be encountered, such as nonunion or mal-union of the bones [9][10][11][12], pseudoarthrosis, subluxations in the ankle [5], pain syndrome [12,13].…”

“…In any colleagues paper rate of complications after intramedullary nailing of distal tibial fractures was 42.8% [12]. It is generally known that Ilizarov's fixator allows for gradual correction and lengthening of the bone [16,17], and it is also effectively used for open bone injuries [8] and infections [18]. However, this device is also successfully used for closed fixation of the fracture zone and allows the necessary reposition of bone fragments if necessary both initially and after a possible secondary displacement of bone fragments.…”