Prospective Evaluation of Role of Limb Reconstruction System (Rail External Fixator) in Open Fractures and Infected...

Severe open fractures continue to be a nightmare for orthopedicians even with use of more accepted line of treatment. Open fractures and infected non-union of femur bone are not infrequently seen in orthopedic wards as femur is the most common long bone injured. We present a case series of 14 such patients treated successfully with limb reconstruction system enabling recovery to pre-injury status and activities.

The present study was done to access the role of limb reconstruction system in the management of open femur fractures and in infected non-union with modifications to meet the requirements of each case. We viewed the results of treatment of 14 cases of late presentation with complicated open femur fractures and infected non-unions. Average time of fixator removal was 4 months-24 months. Average follow-up duration was 18 months (range 6-36 months). Evaluation of results was based on ASAMI criteria. The excellent bone results were obtained in 85.72% of cases while 7.14% showed good and 7.14% were poor results. Excellent functional results were observed in 71.43% of cases and 28.57% of cases shows good and fair results.

The use of limb reconstruction system is based on compression and distraction technique. It was found to be a simple and effective modality for open injuries in terms of enhanced union rate, rapid rehabilitation, and easy care of soft-tissue injury along with bone loss, thus avoiding multiple surgeries.