Temporary Stabilization of Tibia Fractures Using a Dedicated Unicortical External Fixator
MATHIEU L | A Caubère | AP Russo
DOI number : 10.26299/89en-t371/emem.2018.1.006
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate usefulness and efficiency of a temporary unicortical external fixator (TUEF) developed for stabilization of diaphyseal tibia fractures in damage control orthopedics (DCO) procedures.
Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted in two French military trauma centers including all the patients treated for a tibial fracture using a TUEF (UNYCO - ORTHOFIX society) between September 2015 et April 2018.
Results: Fifteen patients with a mean age of 38 years-old were included and totalized 16 tibia fractures. The mechanism was a motor vehicle accident in all cases. There were 4 closed fractures and 12 open fractures. DCO indications were a polytrauma in 4 cases, an open or infected fracture in 10 cases, and circumstantial in 1 case. A polytraumatized patient sustained an early amputation due to an arterial injury. In other cases, the TUEF was converted to an internal osteosynthesis after a mean period of 8.5 days. No loss of reduction was observed between the two surgical procedures. Internal fixation was performed «fixator in place» in 11 cases. At the mean follow-up of 14 months, bone union was achieved or in process in all cases. Two patients suffered a pandiaphysitis following an open fracture.
Conclusion: This preliminary study tends to demonstrate the reliability of the TUEF to maintain the reduction of tibial fractures and facilitate early conversion to internal fixation.
Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted in two French military trauma centers including all the patients treated for a tibial fracture using a TUEF (UNYCO - ORTHOFIX society) between September 2015 et April 2018.
Results: Fifteen patients with a mean age of 38 years-old were included and totalized 16 tibia fractures. The mechanism was a motor vehicle accident in all cases. There were 4 closed fractures and 12 open fractures. DCO indications were a polytrauma in 4 cases, an open or infected fracture in 10 cases, and circumstantial in 1 case. A polytraumatized patient sustained an early amputation due to an arterial injury. In other cases, the TUEF was converted to an internal osteosynthesis after a mean period of 8.5 days. No loss of reduction was observed between the two surgical procedures. Internal fixation was performed «fixator in place» in 11 cases. At the mean follow-up of 14 months, bone union was achieved or in process in all cases. Two patients suffered a pandiaphysitis following an open fracture.
Conclusion: This preliminary study tends to demonstrate the reliability of the TUEF to maintain the reduction of tibial fractures and facilitate early conversion to internal fixation.