Treatment of proximal tibial open fracture complicated with vessel injury by transarticular external fixation

Objective To discuss the possibility of treating tibial proximal o pen fracture complicated with vessel injury by the self-made transarticular ext ernal fixation. Methods 23 patients with open fracture in the proximal tibial we re treated by the self-made transarticular external fixation, and the injured v essels were repaired. Results After the operation, the distal limb survived in 2 2 patients, but it had to be amputated in 1 patient, due to a long period of isc hemia. 19 patients were followed up for 6 months. All the fractures healed after 6 months on average, and the function of the knee recovered to normal. Conclusi on Good results can be obtained by the self-made transarticular external fixati on in treating the open fracture of proximal tibial complicted with vessel injur y.