Evaluation of tibial condyle fractures treated with Ilizarov fixation, a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Tibial plateau fractures are associated with significant soft tissue injuries which increases the risks of complications and must be considered when managing tibial plateau fractures. Various modalities of treatment are available for treatment of these fractures but Ilizarov fixation has a special advantage over others. Review of literature shows many studies of Ilizarov fixation in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures with variable results. Aim of our study was to evaluate tibial condyle fractures treated by Ilizarov fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study included 43 patients with Schatzker type II and above tibial plateau fractures treated by ilizarov fixation. Standard trauma evaluation, a meticulous musculoskeletal and neurologic examination was carried out. All patients underwent Ilizarov fixation by same team of surgeons. Clinicoradilogical assessment of the patients carried out at regular intervals. RESULTS: Our study included 43 cases of tibial plateau of various types except type I. Mean time for radiological union was 24.51 wk (range 15 to 32 wk). Mean fixator period was 26.6 wk( 16-34 wk). The functional results were measured by Lyshom's and Hohl and Luck score. The mean Lyshom's score was at the end of one year was 82.16. At end of one year by Hohl and Luck grading 11 patients had fair, 23 had good and 9 had excellent results. CONCLUSION: High energy tibial plateau fractures can be definitively treated with Ilizarov external fixation. Treatment with this method gives good union rates and less risk of infection. Closed reduction, minimal soft tissue damage and early mobilization are the key to low complications.

Closed Talar Dislocation without Associated Fracture a Very Rare Injury, a Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Total talar dislocations are uncommon injuries and usually seen following high velocity injuries. Total talar dislocations (missing talus) without fractures around the ankle are extremely rare. There are no consensuses on the best treatment of such injuries. To best of our knowledge very few cases have been reported in literature. We hereby report a closed total talar dislocation in a 25 year old male without an associated fracture around ankle. He was managed with emergency closed reduction and below knee splint. At one year follow up there were no complications. CASE REPORT: A 25 year old male presented to orthopaedic causality with injury to right ankle following a road traffic accident. Patient complained of severe pain and deformity of ankle following injury. On examination ankle was deformed and swollen. Plain radiographs of right ankle joint revealed total anterolateral dislocation of talus without any accompanying ankle fracture. CT scan with 3D reconstruction also confirmed our radiographic findings. Under spinal anaesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance closed reduction was performed. To maintain reduction a 3mm K-wire was passed from calcaneum to tibia through talus. A posterior below knee splint was applied. Patient was followed every three months till one year. At one year follow up patient had good range of motion at ankle and subtalar joint. CONCLUSION: Total talar dislocations are very rare injuries and should be treated as impending open fractures. There is no consensus on treatment of such complex injuries as very few cases have been reported in literature.