Online ISSN: 2515-8260

Converting Universal External Fixator to Ilizarov frame Retaining the Original Schanz Pins in the Definitive Management of open Fractures- A Prospective Study

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Dr Sethu .S1 , Dr Manesh Stephen 2 , Dr Muhammed Sameeh3

Abstract

29 patients were treated with this conversion of external fixator to ilizarov. 28 males and 1 female. Out of the 29 patients of open tibia fractures, 16 were case of polytrauma.21 patients were Gustilo and Anderson type 3B, and 8 patients were type 3A. 9 patients had less than 2 cm loss at presentation and 12 had more than 2.5 cm bone loss. 20 patients were associated with significant soft tissue loss at primary surgery or second look debridement. 20 patients needed corticotomy and bone transport. Pin tract infection was present in all patients, needed only appropriate antibiotics and through cleaning to control. External fixator index was 2.8days /cm of lengthening. Out of the 29 patients 16 patients were cases of polytrauma and had associated blunt abdomen, chest or other long bone injury. The index surgery was done after 6 pm in 17 cases and conversion to ilizarov fixator at mean time period 13 days (8 – 31 days). Radiological results were excellent in 19 cases but 16 of them had excellent functional score, 9 had good radiological score and 12 had good functional score and one case had poor radiological and functional score.

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