Surgical management of open tibial fracture (type i, ii and iii) with limb reconstruction system

Abstract

Background: Tibial diaphyseal fractures are one of the commonest long bone fractures encountered by most of the orthopaedic surgeons. Because most of the length of tibia is subcutaneous throughout, open fractures are more common in tibia than in any other major long bone. Because of high prevalence of complications associated with these fractures, management is often is difficult and the optimum method of treatment remains a subject of controversy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of LRS in treatment of open fractures of tibia with other studies in terms of time required for union, rate of malunion and malrotation, rate of infection and range of motion of ankle and knee joint. Materials and Methods: This study was performed with 25 open fractures of tibia with LRS. All the cases were fresh fractures and traumatic in nature. They were done with procedure as early as possible and the secondary procedures of skin grafting and musculocutaneous flap were done when needed. The cases were followed up for an average period of 6-24 months. Results: Open fractures of the tibial shaft managed with LRS gave good functional results and patient satisfaction. It involves minimal surgical trauma and less blood loss. It provides the advantages of early ambulation, lower rates of infection, delayed union, nonunion and malunion compared to other treatment modalities. It provides with early weight bearing and earlier returns to work. Conclusions: It was concluded that early stabilization of open tibial fracture with LRS with immediate soft tissue coverage resulted in good fracture union and minimal rates of complications compared to other modalities of treatment. It is cost effective with minimal hospital stay and early return to work. Over all morbidity is reduced and better patient satisfaction noted.