Abstract
The upper and lower thirds of the tibia are areas of peculiar anatomy and pose a lot of problems in their treatment.
Purpose We present a method of hybrid external fixation used in a wide variety of these fractures.
Material and method: Between 2000 and 2004, 29 patients with fractures of the tibia (16 fractures of the lower third and 13 fractures of the upper third) were treated with hybrid external fixation ORTHOFIX. Most of the fractures involved the adjacent joints, 12 fractures of the tibial condyles and 9 pilon fractures. Among the patients, 5 had septic non-union 2 of who were submitted to bone transport with the attachment of a lengthening system. All patients were called for monthly follow up till union.
Results: In all cases except one (septic non-union – bone transport of the lower third) there was successful union by 3 to 7 months postoperatively. There was no malalignment, no deep infection or other major complication.
Conclusion: The rational use of the hybrid external fixation offers a valuable solution in the treatment of the complex fractures in the upper and lower third of the tibia.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Roger Lemaire. Correspondence should be addressed to EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
