Management of Tibial Metaphyseal Fractures Using JESS Fixator

Introduction: The management of proximal and distal tibia fractures remains challenging due to associated soft tissue injuries. The use of wire fixators for the definitive treatment of such fractures entails a minimally invasive technique of insertion that gives good fracture reduction and stability combined with minimal postoperative complications. Aim: To assess the outcome of treatment of such fractures by the use of Joshi’s external stabilization system (JESS), which is a simple wire based, circular external fixator system. Materials and Methods: A prospective, uncontrolled study was done using JESS on 30 consecutive patients (20 patients of proximal tibial metaphyseal fractures and 10 of distal tibial metaphyseal fractures). Results: In our study, the most common mode of injury was road traffic accidents (21 cases), fall from height (6 cases) and slip injury (3 cases). The patients were operated at a mean interval of 3.2 days (range 1-6 days) due to associated poor soft tissue conditions. The patients were followed up for 24 weeks. Full weight bearing was allowed at 10 to 14 weeks. JESS frame was removed at mean duration of 13 weeks (range 12-16 weeks). According to knee society score (KSS), excellent result (score 80- 100) was seen in 12 patients (60%), good result (score 70-79) was seen in 4 patients (20%), fair result (score 60-69) in 3 patients (15%) and poor result (score <60) in 1 patient (5%) of proximal tibial metaphyseal fracture. According to Olerud and Molander score (OAMS), excellent result (score 91-100) was seen in 5 patients (50%), good result (score 61-90) in 3 patients (30%) and fair result (score 31-60) in 2 patients (20%) of distal tibial metaphyseal fracture. The complication seen was superficial pin tract infection in 4 patients, which was managed by regular pin tract dressing and oral antibiotics. Delayed union (mean at 15.3 weeks) was seen in 2 patients with Schatzker type VI fracture and 1 patient with severe comminuted distal metaphyseal fracture. Conclusion: JESS is a simple, light, effective and cheap method and can be used as a definitive procedure to treat these fractures even with soft tissue compromise.