Case Series of Comminuted Fractures of Proximal Tibia with Ligament Injuries Treated with Knee Spanning Ilizarov Fixation
Abstract:
Comminuted
fractures of the tibial plateau with intra-articular extension and ligament
injuries are caused by high-energy trauma. The associated high rate of soft
tissue injuries leads to complications like joint stiffness, compartment
syndrome, malunion, skin loss, osteomyelitis, knee contractures, and potential
amputation. The knee-spanning Ilizarov external fixator minimizes these
complications by allowing early mobilization and weight-bearing, reducing soft
tissue injury and blood loss, and providing stable fixation. Assessment using
the Knee Society Score pre- and post-operatively showed improvement. This
prospective study includes 15 patients with comminuted tibial intra-articular
fractures and associated ligament injuries, treated with knee-spanning Ilizarov
fixation. Clinical and radiological assessments post-procedure indicated
positive outcomes. Out of 15 patients, 80% achieved good clinical and
radiological outcomes, including early mobilization, normal gait, and
successful fracture healing. Complications included pin tract infections (2
patients), knee stiffness (1 patient), and secondary procedures such as
arthrodesis and TKR due to arthritis.
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