Abstract
Aims: Severe proximal tibia fractures, which include intra- and extraarticular fractures with metaphyseal-diaphyseal dissociation, pose a difþcult treatment problem for the surgeon with signiþcant complication rates. The aim of this study is to report the experience with a series of consecutive severe proximal tibial fractures treated with hybrid external þxators. Methods: Between 1997 and 2001, we treated 118 cases of proximal tibia fractures of which 52 were treated with hybrid external þxation. Inclusion criteria for hybrid treatment was severe soft-tissue injury, intra-articular displacement, and unstable fracture patterns involvment. In addition to routine demographic data, objective data collected included healing, deformity, complications, and motion. Patient were also evaluated with an SF-36 12 months after healing. Results: All proximal tibial fractures healed without additional procedures. Most patients demonstrated healing by 16 weeks. Accuracy of redution was 0–1mm in 28 patients, 2–3 mm in 19 patients, and 4–5 mm in 4 patients and greater than 5 mm in one patient. Only 5 (10%) of the 52 patients had an angular malunion greater than 6û. One case had a loss of reduction. Four patients developed a mild varus deformity. Radiographic and clinical evidence of degenerative arthritis was seen in 12/52 (23%) patients 18 months after healing. The SF-36 proþlese were health state/rate, daily activity, work activity, emotional problems, pain. Conclusion: We found that hybrid external þxation is a good alternative method for treatment of meta- and/or epiphiseal fractures. The technique and post-op management we describe respects soft-tissue and bone biology and allows early articular mobilization.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
