Epidemiological Profile of Patients With Tibial Fractures Treated With the Ilizarov External Fixator

Background Tibial fractures are common, severe, and usually result from medium or high-energy trauma. Due to their subcutaneous location, they are often open fractures. The treatment impacts quality of life and can be done using a plaster cast, external fixator, plate, or intramedullary nail. This study aims to analyze cases treated with the Ilizarov circular fixator. Methodology This was an epidemiological, descriptive, cohort study conducted at Cajuru University Hospital from February 2023 to December 2024 among patients with tibial fractures treated with the Ilizarov ring fixator. Acute fracture cases with complete data records were included, excluding deformities, non-unions, dynamization, or the use of a foot plate. Epidemiological variables, AO classification, type of fracture, fixator assembly, time to weight-bearing, consolidation, and removal of the device were analyzed. Consolidation was defined by radiographic signs of three cortical bones, assessed by two orthopedists. Results Of the 42 patients treated, 21 met the criteria. Men were predominant (90.5%), with an average age of 44 years. Closed fractures were more frequent (76.2%), with AO 41C type being the most common (33.3%). Traffic accidents were the main mechanism (61.9%). The standard fixator assembly consisted of three rings and three proximal and distal elements. Partial weight-bearing began, on average, at four weeks. Consolidation occurred in 5.5 months, and the fixator remained in place for an average of 289 days. Conclusions The Ilizarov ring fixator is an effective, versatile, and minimally invasive device that provides stability for both diaphyseal and articular fractures, resulting in satisfactory healing and early load-bearing, further demonstrating clinical applicability.