Fracture healing following high energy tibial trauma: Ilizarov versus Taylor Spatial Frame

Menakaya, CU; Rigby, AS; Hadland, Y; Barron, E; Sharma, H

Abstract

Introduction: The optimal treatment of high energy tibial fractures remains controversial and a challenging orthopaedic problem. The role of external fi xators for all these tibial fractures has been shown to be crucial. Methods: A fi ve-year consecutive series was reviewed retrospectively, identifying two treatment groups: Ilizarov and Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF; Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN, US). Fracture healing time was the primary outcome measure. Results: A total of 112 patients (85 Ilizarov, 37 TSF) were identifi ed for the review with a mean age of 45 years. This was higher in women (57 years) than in men (41 years). There was no signifi cant difference between frame types (p=0.83). The median healing time was 163 days in both groups. There was no signifi cant difference in healing time between smokers and non-smokers (180 vs 165 days respectively, p=0.07), open or closed fractures (p=0.13) or age and healing time (Spearman's r=0.12, p=0.18). There was no incidence of non-union or re-fracture following frame removal in either group. Conclusions: Despite the assumption of the rigid construct of the TSF, the median time to union was similar to that of the Ilizarov frame and the TSF therefore can play a signifi cant role in complex tibial fractures.

Citation

Menakaya, C., Rigby, A., Hadland, Y., Barron, E., & Sharma, H. (2014). Fracture healing following high energy tibial trauma: Ilizarov versus Taylor Spatial Frame. Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 96(2), 106-110. https://doi.org/10.1308/003588414x13824511650335

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 17, 2013
• Online Publication Date: Mar 11, 2015
• Publication Date: 2014-03
• Deposit Date: Mar 3, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 27, 2018
• Journal: Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
• Print ISSN: 0035-8843
• Publisher: Royal College of Surgeons of England
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 96
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 106-110
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1308/003588414x13824511650335
• Keywords: Surgery; General Medicine
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/707011
• Contract Date: Mar 27, 2018