Outcomes of open bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated with Ilizarov external fixator with or without minimal internal fixation

This study was conducted to evaluate the outcome of treatment for open fractures of the tibial plateau using external circular fixation combined with or without limited internal fixation. Twenty-five patients (16 males and 9 females) with open fracture tibial plateau were treated with circular external fixator with minimal internal fixation. The mean age of the patients was 36 years (range between 23 and 62 years). According to AO classification system, there was six (24 %) C1, eleven (44 %) C2, and eight (32 %) C3. According to Gustilo and Anderson classification, seven (28 %) were grade 1; nine (36 %), grade 2; six (24 %), grade 3b; and three (12 %), grade 3c. According to ASAMI score, Italy, the results were excellent in 8 (32 %) cases, good in 12 (48 %) cases, and fair in five (20 %) patients. The patients' satisfaction was significantly related to the functional results (p < 0.05). Complications included skin gaping in one case 10 days postoperatively. Pin tract infection was seen in 20 % of cases, one case showed deep infection and no cases of septic arthritis. There is no correlation between the final outcome and articular depression (p > 0.05). Ilizarov external fixator provides acceptable outcomes but with a high rate of complication rate, typical of this type of fracture. It avoids extensive soft tissue dissection. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.