FRACTURE HEALING IN TIBIAL FRACTURES: ILIZAROV VERSUS TAYLOR SPATIAL FRAME

IntroductionThe optimal treatment of high-energy tibia fractures remains controversial. The role of external fixators has been shown to be crucial. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of using either Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) or Ilizarov frames in treatment of high-energy tibia fractures in a tertiary trauma referral centre.MethodologyRetrospective review of consecutive series identified two treatment groups; Group 1(TSF) and Group 2 (Ilizarov). Time in frame (healing time) was defined as time from insertion to removal of frame. All patients with incomplete data secondary to loss to follow-up or death were eliminated.ResultsData was available for 112 patients (Group 1 N37 and Group 2 N85) with average ages for of 46.43 and 44.64 years respectively and a male to female ratio of 23:14 and 63:22. 7 open tibial fractures and 24 distal tibia fractures were treated in Group 1 with 18 open tibia fractures and 24 pilon fractures in Group 2. Average healing time was 174.35 (124–340) and 176.41 (102–555)...