Outcome of Two Ring Hybrid Ilizarov Fixator in the Management of Proximal Tibial Fractures in Adults

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the outcomes of using two ring hybrid ilizarov fixator for the management of proximal tibial fractures in adult patients. Study Design: Descriptive Study Place and Duration: Methods: There were 60 patients of both genders were presented in this study. Patients were aged between 25-65 years. Informed written consent was taken from all the patients for detailed demographics age, sex, body mass index and cause of fracture. All the patients had proximal tibial fractures were included, type of fractures were assessed by schatzker technique. Outcomes were assessed by using Rasmussen score in terms of excellent, good and fair. Radiological outcome was measured by fracture healing on radiography. Student t-test and chi square test was used. SPSS 24.0 was used to analyze all of the data. Results: There were 45 (75%) patients were males and 15 (25%) were female patients. Mean age of the patients was 42.3±7.43 years with mean BMI 25.07±6.29 kg/m2. Falling was the most common cause of fracture found in 33 (55%), followed by road traffic accidents in 17 (28.3%) and 10 (16.7%) fractures by assault. Majority of the patients were schatzker type VI fractures 34 (56.7%) followed by schatzker type V fractures in 11 (18.3%), metaphyseal fractures found in 8 (13.3%) cases and proximalone third shaft fractures in 7 (11.7%) cases. Mean surgery time was 4.2±6.17 hours and mean union time of fractures was 19.8±6.61 weeks. According to Rasmussen score 39 (65%) cases showed excellent results with knee flexion more than 90 degree, good results found in 17 (28.3%) patients and fair results in 4 (6.7%) cases. Pin tract infection was the most common complication found in 12 (20%) cases, followed by compartment syndrome in 4 (6.7%) and delayed union in 3 (5%). No any poor outcome was assessed in this study. Conclusion: We concluded in this study that the use of two ring hybrid ilizarov fixator in the management of proximal tibial fractures were effective and useful in terms of excellent and good outcomes of knee flexion. The ilizarov approach allowed for early definitive treatment with a low rate of complications and a favourable clinical outcome. Keywords: Proximal Tibial fracture, Ilizarov Fixator, Shatzker, Rasmussen score, Outcomes