[Treatment of open tibial fracture with fixateur externe]

External fixation with a Hoffmann or an ASIF frame was used in the treatment of 50 severe open lower leg fractures from 1979 to 1987. In 7 cases consolidation was achieved by means of external fixation without changing to any other method. Plaster cast fixation was subsequently performed after soft-tissue healing in 35 patients. Further methods of treatment applied after external fixation were intramedullary nailing in 5 cases, internal stabilization with a plate in 1 case and provision of a surgical support in 1 case. In 1 patient early amputation was necessary. On average, fracture healing took 6.7 (4-15) months, significantly correlating with the severity of soft-tissue lesion. Compound fractures of the proximal tibial shaft turned out to be problem cases, requiring up to 15 months for bone union. Acute infections occurred in 6 cases (12%), despite primary antibiotic prophylaxis. Nonunion was noted in 2 patients. A follow-up examination of 33 patients after a median of 45 months (range 6-99) showed full weight-bearing in all cases. Persistent soft-tissue problems were found in 7 patients, chronic osteitis in 4, and shortening of the extremity by up to 2 cm in 11 cases. One-third of the patients were out of work or had had to change their jobs as a social effect of their severe injuries.