Ilizarov Ring External Fixation for Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures

Objective  To analyze the results of clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of tibial plateau fracture (Schatzker Type V, VI) treated with Illizarov ring external fixator with or without minimum opening. Methods  A total of 52 tibial plateau fractures of type V, VI were treated with Ilizarov ring external fixator with or without mininum internal fixation were studied. Functional outcome assessment was done using the American Knee Society (AKS) score with clinical, radiological union, and complications were analyzed. Results  There were 37 (71.15%) male and 15 (28.84%) female patients, with a mean age of 39.07 ± 12.58 years old. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) were the major cause of fracture, accounting for 32 cases (61.53%) followed by fall injury, with 16 cases (30.76%), and direct impact, with 4 cases (7.69%). Twenty-one (40.38%) cases were type V and 31 (59.61%) cases were type VI fractures, and there were 24 (46.15%) cases of open fracture. The mean AKS score of Type V and Type VI fractures were 82.8 and 80.70, respectively, but this was statistically not significant at p <0.05. The mean AKS score of closed and open fractures were also statistically not significant at p <0.05. Conclusions  For Schatzker Types V and VI complex tibial plateau fractures, Ilizarov external fixation is a safe, cost-effective and efficient treatment method that presents a satisfactory outcome.