Abstract :
Objective
To compare clinical and functional outcomes and complications of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) by plating and Ilizarov technique in complex tibial plateau fractures.
Methods
This study is a randomized clinical trial accompanying 56 patients having Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures. We divided patients into two groups for management. Group I; open reduction internal fixation and Group II; ilizarov technique. We conducted study at the orthopedics department, Jinnah Post-Graduate Medical Center, Karachi, from April-2018 to Oct-2020. The endpoint was to assess patients’ satisfaction and clinical and functional outcomes up to an 18-month follow-up.
Results
The etiology of tibial fracture was mainly road traffic accident (RTA); 17 (70.9%) in ORIF versus 23 (71.8%) in the Ilizarov group. According to clinical outcomes, excellent extension lag was achieved in 100% of patients in both groups. Most patients had excellent knee flexion, thigh atrophy and instability outcomes (54.1% vs 59.37%, 87.5% vs 81.2% and 83.3% vs. 87.5%). The functional outcome assessment was done and recorded for 18 months of follow-up. There was no significant difference in normal walking, stair climbing, squatting, jumping and duck walking between the groups. The overall rate of complications was similar; 11 (45.8%) in ORIF versus 17 (53.12%) in the illizarov group (p=0.78).
Conclusion
Our study concludes that there is an excellent clinical and functional outcome found in both procedures as both are safe and effective procedures with fewer complications.
Keyword :
Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures, ORIF, Ilizarov Technique