Title: Clinical Outcome of Tibial Fractures treated by using Locking Plates as Fixator

Authors: Dr Roshan Kumar.M, Dr Sreedhar Rakasi, Dr Tejo Krishna, Dr Ashok Raju Gottemukkala

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i7.195

Abstract

Tibial fractures with compromised soft tissue envelop May lead to significant complications and optimal management of these injuries is still controversial. The use of a locking plate as an external fixator appears to be an attractive option because it not only minimizes injury to soft tissue, but also overcome some of the disadvantages of standard external fixators. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of external fixation using the locking plates in tibial fractures. In this study prospectively evaluated 17 patients (13 males and 4 females] with an age of 40.7 years who presented with fresh tibial fractures. According to Gustilio classification, grade IIIB injury in cases, grade IIIA in 2 cases, grade II injuries in 6 cases and 7 cases had closed injuries with skin blebs. Locking plates were used to fix these fractures which were placed on the anteromedial aspect of tibia as an external fixator. The mean follow up period was 10 months. In all patients the plate was left in place till 6 weeks after full healing was obtained clinically and radigraphically. All fractures healed in a mean period of 19 weeks. There was one case on non union which subsequently healed with skin grafting. There was no case of infection or any failure of hard ware. The skin sees to tolerate the screws well and even seems to tolerate the screws well and even seems to adhere to the screw. At the latest follow up at a 12month period, all the patients were fully recovered weight bearing with a well healed tibia and good range of motion of knee and ankle. It is believed that the supra-cutaneous locking plate technique is an effective procedure for treatment of tibial fractures in patients who need a long period of external fixation, ankle sparing stable fixation with good reduction is achieved immediately. Soft tissue reconstruction where ever is necessary, lead to union of all fractures with good action.

Keywords: Tibia, Fracture, Locking plates, Fixator, Clinical outcome.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Sreedhar Rakasi

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