Ilizarov external fixator for open fractures of the tibial shaft

Between December 1993 and 1999 we treated 34 open tibial diaphyseal fractures. Thirty patients were available for evaluation with a mean follow-up after fracture union of 40.5 (24–80) months. Patient average age was 33.1 (15–71) years. Two fractures were grade I, 16 grade II, six grade IIIA, five grade IIIB and one grade IIIC. The wound was debrided and the bone fixed with Ilizarov device. Soft-tissue healing was achieved through Z-plasty, delayed primary closure, split-thickness skin grafting, pedicle flaps and skin traction, and all fractures united with an average 5.6 (3–15.4) months. In 28 patients the results were excellent and good, in one fair and in one poor. Despite numerous complications the use of Ilizarov external fixator provides initial and definitive fracture stability.