Ilizarov external fixator for open fractures of the tibial shaft

Between December 1993 and 1999 we treated 34 open tibial diaphyseal fractures. Thirty patients were available for evaluation with a mean follow-up after fracture union of 40.5 (24-80) months. Patient average age was 33.1 (15-71) years. Two fractures were grade I, 16 grade II, six grade IIIA, five grade IIIB and one grade IIIC. The wound was debrided and the bone fixed with Ilizarov device. Soft-tissue healing was achieved through Z-plasty, delayed primary closure, split-thickness skin grafting, pedicle flaps and skin traction, and all fractures united with an average 5.6 (3-15.4) months. In 28 patients the results were excellent and good, in one fair and in one poor. Despite numerous complications the use of Ilizarov external fixator provides initial and definitive fracture stability.