Segmental Tibial Fractures Treated by Naseer-Awais External Fixator: A 5 Years Study

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of segmental fracture of tibia treated by Naseer-Awais external fixator and to share our experience. Study Design: Descriptive, prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Orthopedic Surgery & Traumatology, Peoples Medical University Hospital, Shaheed Benazir Abad from 1st July 2016 from 31st July 2020. Methodology: Twenty three cases segmental tibial fractures with age ranging from 18 year to 50 year of either gender were selected; patients having close or open Gustilo IIIA/B segmental fracture of tibia were included in the study, while Gustilo IIIC, bilateral injuries, with co-morbid, smoker, alcoholic, drug addicted, poly-trauma, compartment syndrome and history of poor compliance, psychiatric disease were excluded. All the cases operated with Naseer-Awais external fixation (NAEF) and variables of patients were assessed radiological and clinically. Results: There were 17 (70.37%) male patients and 6 (29.63%) female patients The mean age was 33.9 +/- 9.8 years. Road traffic accident was highest reported mode of injury in 18 (78.26%) patients. Fracture union was gained at both fracture sites in 19 (82.6%) and nonunion observed in 4 (18.4%). Most reported complication of NAEF was pin tract infection 14 (60.86%), followed by nonunion. The average time of follow-up was 55.5 +/- 19.6 weeks. Conclusion: Nasser-Awais external fixator is the safe, reliable, unique uniplanar and cost effective device that allows bone healing of segmental tibial fractures. Distal fracture of segment heals late than proximal one. Most reported complication was pin tract infection.