Study to Determine the Efficacy of Illizarov Fixator for the Treatment of Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures

Aim: To evaluate the results of illizarov external fixation using ligamentotaxis technique in high-energy plateau fractures of the tibia.

Methodology: The external fixation of illizarov external fixation using ligamentotaxis was performed in 32 patients aged 18-50 years due to high-energy plateau fractures of the tibia. 18 on the right knee and 14 on the left knee. 28had closed wound and four had open wound fractures. According to the classification of Schatzker’s; classification was carried out for fractures. After two years (range 12 to 24 months) of follow-up, each affected knee was assessed using the Knee Society Score (KSS).

Results: There were 24Schatzker type VI and eight type V fractures of the tibia. Complications included deep infection in two cases, one patient had pin tract infection, deep vein thrombosis in two patients and one had fusional defect. The knee motionmean range was 120 degrees of flexion and six degrees of deficiency in extension. According to the KSS criteria, the outcomes were excellent in 22 patients (68.75%), 4 patients (12.5%)have good results, moderate in 5 patients (15.65%) and weak in 1 patient (3.12%).

Conclusion: Ilizarov External fixation gives good anatomicalreduction of joint surface, earlypainfreewt bear, stable fixation and maintain soft tissue envelope without major complications.